US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) leader Mohammad Sharifullah, responsible for the 2021 Kabul airport suicide bombing. The announcement came during his address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, where he expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for its cooperation.
The attack, which occurred during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, claimed the lives of 13 US service members and about 170 Afghan civilians.
Pakistan’s Role in the Operation
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Sharifullah was arrested in an operation conducted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. In a post on X, Sharif thanked Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism efforts. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to denying safe havens to terrorists and strengthening regional stability.
According to reports from The Khorasan Diary, Pakistani intelligence (ISI) acted on a tip-off from the CIA, leading to the arrest in southwest Balochistan.
Revival of US-Pakistan Intelligence Cooperation
This development signifies renewed counterterrorism cooperation between the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), following years of strained ties.
Trump’s remarks marked a stark contrast to his first-term stance when he had accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists and cut off military aid.
Extradition and US Reaction
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that Sharifullah had been extradited to the US, stating that the move brought justice a step closer for the families of the victims. CIA Director John Ratcliffe also confirmed that Sharifullah had arrived in Washington on March 4.
Cliff Sims, an informal adviser to Ratcliffe, revealed that capturing the mastermind of the Kabul attack had been one of Trump’s top priorities. The CIA had engaged with Pakistan on the matter since the beginning of his second term.
What This Means for Regional Security
The successful operation underscores a strategic shift in US-Pakistan relations, with both nations aligning on counterterrorism goals. It also raises questions about future collaboration in tackling extremist threats in South Asia.
