Washington, D.C.: On Tuesday, FBI Director Kash Patel made a significant announcement, reinforcing the U.S. government's dedication to pursuing terrorists globally.
Patel's remarks followed a successful operation at Dulles International Airport, where FBI agents, in collaboration with the Department of Justice and the CIA, captured a terrorist sought in connection with the Abbey Gate murders in Afghanistan.
"Last night at Dulles, our FBI team, alongside DOJ and CIA partners, apprehended a terrorist linked to the Abbey Gate murders in Afghanistan. To terrorists worldwide who threaten Americans: We will pursue you to the farthest corners of the earth," Patel stated on X.
The Abbey Gate bombing, which took place during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and many civilians, marking a tragic moment for the U.S. and its allies.
The United States has charged Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as "Jafar," a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, leading to fatalities.
This charge is based on Sharifullah's alleged involvement in orchestrating the deadly attack at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. military personnel and around 160 civilians.
"On March 2, the U.S. charged Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as 'Jafar,' a member of ISIS-K, with providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, resulting in death, in violation of 18 United States Code 2339B. Sharifullah has been arrested and is scheduled to appear in the Eastern District of Virginia on March 5, 2025," the U.S. Department of Justice announced.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi denounced Sharifullah's actions, labeling him an "evil ISIS-K terrorist" responsible for the heinous murder of American heroes.
The U.S. Department of Justice reiterated the FBI's dedication to holding accountable those who commit acts of terrorism, affirming that the agency will "never forget the loss of these American heroes" and will relentlessly pursue justice.
"Under President Trump's decisive leadership on the global stage, this Department of Justice will ensure that terrorists like Mohammad Sharifullah find no refuge, no second chances, and face the full might of the United States of America," the statement continued.
FBI Director Kash Patel remarked, "The deadly attack that resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and Afghan civilians during the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan was a clear act of terrorism."
Sharifullah has confessed to aiding in the preparation for the Abbey Gate attack, which included scouting a route near the airport for the assailant. He also acknowledged recognizing the attacker, Abdul Rahman al-Logari, as an ISIS-K operative he had previously encountered.
Furthermore, Sharifullah admitted to supporting and engaging in activities for ISIS-K in several other deadly incidents, including a 2016 attack on the Canadian embassy in Kabul and a 2024 attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow.
"ISIS-K openly claimed responsibility for the devastation. Thanks to the collaboration of the FBI, Department of Justice, and the CIA, we have successfully apprehended Sharifullah and transported him to the U.S. to face justice. The FBI will always remember the sacrifice of these American heroes, and we will continue to pursue those who brutally murdered our warriors, ensuring that all responsible parties are brought to justice," the statement concluded.
If found guilty, Sharifullah could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
