Suspect in Kabul Airport Bombing to Face Federal Charges in Virginia
Mohammad Sharifullah, suspected of being involved in the Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. soldiers, has been arrested and will appear in Virginia federal court. Captured in Pakistan, he is affiliated with Isis-K and has confessed to his role in the attack. His apprehension underscores continued U.S.-Pakistan counter-terrorism cooperation.
A suspect linked to the suicide bombing at Kabul airport, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members, is set to appear in a Virginia federal court to face charges. The individual, Mohammad Sharifullah, was announced arrested by former President Donald Trump during a recent Congressional address. He is believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan branch, known as Isis-Khorasan.
Senior Pakistani intelligence officials confirmed Sharifullah’s capture in Balochistan province, near the Afghanistan border, after previous attempts to locate him had failed. Accusations against him include participating in various attacks in Afghanistan since he joined Isis-K in 2016. The charges filed in federal court include providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, leading to fatalities.
During his speech, Trump expressed satisfaction regarding the apprehension of “the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity.” The Abbey Gate bombing occurred in August 2021 amidst chaotic evacuations from Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 170 Afghans in addition to the U.S. servicemen. This incident has had lasting implications, leading to significant criticism of President Joe Biden’s administration.
FBI records indicate that Sharifullah confessed to his involvement in the Abbey Gate bombing during interrogations, claiming to have cleared a route for the bomber. The individual responsible for the bombing was identified as Abdul Rahman al-Logari, who had been released from an Afghan prison by the Taliban. Sharifullah purportedly provided weapon instructions for a subsequent attack planned in Moscow in March 2024.
Having previously been arrested in 2019 by the U.S.-backed Afghan government, Sharifullah escaped during the Taliban takeover. Reports suggest he orchestrated the bombing while incarcerated, collaborating with senior militant figures. His arrest resulted from a collaborative intelligence operation between Pakistan and the U.S. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Trump’s recognition of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing ongoing partnership for regional stability.
In summary, Mohammad Sharifullah, a suspect in the Kabul airport bombing, is facing serious charges in federal court for his association with Isis-K and his role in the attack that killed 13 U.S. service members and numerous Afghan civilians. His apprehension is a result of coordinated efforts between Pakistani and U.S. intelligence agencies. This event highlights the complexities of counter-terrorism and the ongoing challenges faced in Afghanistan.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
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