US President Donald Trump announced in a speech to Congress on March 4 that the main organizer of the terrorist attack at Kabul airport in 2021 has been captured. According to CNN, this arrest was carried out in Pakistan, and the operation utilized information from the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Trump's Statement
Trump said in his speech:
“I am pleased to announce that tonight we have captured the main terrorist responsible for this atrocity, and he is now on his way to face the sword of American justice.”
The President also expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for its assistance in the operation.
The Arrest and Pakistan's Role
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif commented on the event, emphasizing his government's firm stance against terrorism:
“Pakistan will continue to cooperate with the United States to ensure regional peace and stability.”
He stated that security forces captured Muhammad Sharifulloh as a result of a successful operation conducted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
The Terrorist Organizer and His Crimes
After his arrest, Muhammad Sharifulloh was interrogated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It was revealed that:
- He was recruited by ISIS-Khorasan in 2016.
- He participated in planning several deadly attacks.
- He played a key role in organizing the explosion at Kabul airport.
- He was also involved in the attack on embassy guards in Kabul and the attack on a night club in Moscow.
Sharifulloh has been in prison since 2019. He was released in 2021 and organized the terrorist attack at Kabul airport two weeks later.
The 2021 Kabul Airport Attack
This terrorist attack occurred on August 26, 2021. When the ISIS-K terrorist detonated himself:
- 13 American soldiers were killed.
- At least 170 Afghan civilians were victims.
- Hundreds of people were injured.
This attack took place while US and NATO forces were conducting an urgent evacuation process from Afghanistan. Many Afghans had gathered around the eastern gate of the airport to board evacuation flights.
The Arrest and US Justice
According to sources from CNN, Sharifulloh will be handed over to the US and charged with “conspiracy to provide material support for terrorism.”
Trump assessed the news of the arrested terrorist as an important step in ensuring American security and justice. This operation, carried out through cooperation between Pakistan and the US, could be a significant outcome in the fight against the ISIS-Khorasan group. At the same time, this event demonstrates that the security issues in Afghanistan remain a pressing concern for the US and the international community.
