ISIS-K member confessed to scouting Abbey Gate attack route, training Moscow attackers: affidavit

The Capture of Muhammed Sharifullah: A Major Breakthrough in Global Counterterrorism

In a significant development in the fight against terrorism, the U.S. Justice Department has announced the capture of Muhammed Sharifullah, a high-ranking member of ISIS-K, who has been identified as the mastermind behind the devastating 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan. The attack claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and approximately 160 civilians, leaving a deep scar on the world. President Donald Trump revealed the news during a joint session of Congress, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to bringing terrorists to justice. Sharifullah, who faces federal charges, is set to make his first court appearance in Virginia, where he could face life imprisonment if convicted.

The Abbey Gate Bombing: A Tragic Day in Modern History

The Abbey Gate bombing occurred on August 26, 2021, during the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. As thousands of civilians gathered near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, hoping to escape the Taliban’s takeover, ISIS-K carried out one of the deadliest attacks in recent history. At around 5:36 p.m., Abdul Rahman al-Logari, a member of ISIS-K, detonated a suicide bomb at Abbey Gate, the main entry point for evacuation operations. The explosion killed 13 U.S. military personnel and 160 civilians, marking one of the darkest moments of the U.S. withdrawal. The attack was a stark reminder of the dangers faced by American forces and innocent civilians during the evacuation effort.

Sharifullah’s Role in the Abbey Gate Attack and Beyond

According to a Justice Department affidavit, Sharifullah played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the Abbey Gate bombing. The affidavit reveals that Sharifullah was in prison in Afghanistan from 2019 until just two weeks before the attack. Upon his release, he was contacted by ISIS-K members who enlisted his help in the operation. Sharifullah admittingly used a motorcycle provided by the group to scout the route near the airport, checking for security checkpoints and law enforcement presence. He communicated with other ISIS-K members, confirming that the route was clear and that the attacker was unlikely to be detected. After completing his mission, Sharifullah left the area as instructed, only to later learn about the bombing and recognize the bomber as someone he had met while in prison.

Sharifullah’s involvement in terrorism extends beyond the Abbey Gate attack. The affidavit also details his role in training gunmen involved in a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, Russia, in March 2024. The attack, which killed approximately 130 people, was carried out by individuals who had received firearms training from Sharifullah. He reportedly provided video instructions on how to use AK-style rifles and other weapons to the attackers. After the attack, Russian authorities arrested four gunmen, two of whom Sharifullah identified as the individuals he had trained.

The Capture and Legal Proceedings

Sharifullah’s capture marks a significant victory for U.S. counterterrorism efforts. President Trump announced the news during a speech to a joint session of Congress, stating that Sharifullah was the “top terrorist” responsible for the Abbey Gate attack. The Justice Department released photos of high-ranking officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who were present at an airport awaiting Sharifullah’s arrival in the U.S. Sharifullah has been charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The affidavit also highlights Sharifullah’s cooperation with FBI Special Agents, who interviewed him earlier this week after he waived his Miranda rights. His confession has provided critical insights into the inner workings of ISIS-K and its global reach. The case underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating terrorism, as U.S. authorities worked closely with Pakistani officials to apprehend Sharifullah.

The Human Cost and Emotional Toll

The news of Sharifullah’s capture has brought mixed emotions to the families of the Abbey Gate victims. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz shared that President Trump personally called the families to inform them of the development, a moment described as deeply emotional. The President had previously promised the families at Arlington, “We are going to get this guy.” That promise has now been fulfilled, bringing a sense of closure to those who lost loved ones in the attack.

The JScrollPane of the attack and its aftermath serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. service members and the ongoing threat of terrorism worldwide. The Justice Department has vowed to ensure that terrorists like Sharifullah have no safe haven, with Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasizing that the U.S. will remain a formidable enemy to those who commit such atrocities. FBI Director Kash Patel also reiterated the agency’s commitment to hunting down those responsible for the deaths of American heroes and bringing them to justice.

A Call to Action for Global Security

The capture of Muhammed Sharifullah is a testament to the resilience and determination of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies. However, it also highlights the need for continued vigilance in the face of global terrorism. AsSharifullah’s case moves through the legal system, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of international counterterrorism efforts. The U.S. government’s commitment to justice for the victims of the Abbey Gate attack and other terrorist atrocities sends a clear message to terrorist organizations worldwide: the United States will not relent in its pursuit of those who seek to harm innocent lives.

In conclusion, the apprehension of Muhammed Sharifullah is a significant step forward in the fight against terrorism, but it is also a somber reminder of the ongoing threats faced by nations around the world. The story of the Abbey Gate bombing and its aftermath is one of tragedy and resilience, underscoring the importance of unity and determination in the face of evil. As the legal proceedings unfold, the world waits to see justice served for the victims of one of the darkest days in recent history.