The FBI, in collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the CIA, successfully apprehended ISIS-K member Mohammad Sharifullah at Dulles airfield. Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” played a crucial role in the 2021 Abbey Gate attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and approximately 160 civilians.
FBI Director Kash Patel made a bold statement following the arrest:
“To terrorists around the world responsible for harming Americans: We will hunt the ends of the earth and find you.”
Charges Against Sharifullah
The U.S. Department of Justice formally charged Sharifullah with:
- Providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
- Conspiring to provide resources to ISIS-K.
- Actions resulting in the deaths of American service members and civilians.
He is expected to appear in the Eastern District of Virginia on March 5, 2025. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Previous Attacks Linked to Sharifullah
Investigations revealed that Sharifullah had been actively supporting ISIS-K operations for years. His involvement includes:
- Assisting in planning the 2021 Abbey Gate attack.
- Participating in a 2016 attack on the Canadian embassy in Kabul.
- Aiding in the 2024 attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow.
U.S. Commitment to Counterterrorism
Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned Sharifullah, calling him an “evil ISIS-K terrorist” responsible for heinous crimes.
“Under President Trump’s strong leadership, the Department of Justice will ensure that terrorists like Mohammad Sharifullah have no safe haven, no second chances, and no worse enemy than the United States of America.”
The FBI emphasized that justice will be served and that efforts will continue to hunt down those responsible for terrorist activities.
