Trump Announces Apprehension of Abbey Gate Bombing Plotter

Mohammad Sharifullah, the alleged mastermind behind the devastating Abbey Gate bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, has been extradited to American soil to face justice. The terrorist landed in the United States on Wednesday after being apprehended and charged with providing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.

Sharifullah's extradition marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of accountability for the horrific attack that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. military members and approximately 160 civilians on August 26, 2021. The bombing occurred at Abbey Gate, the main entry point as American and coalition forces conducted an evacuation operation at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport.

Justice Served After Three Years

FBI Director Kash Patel announced Sharifullah's arrival in a statement on X, writing, "3 and 1/2 years later, justice for our 13." He is expected to make his first federal court appearance in Virginia. President Donald Trump also addressed the nation during a joint session of Congress, stating, "Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity, and he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice."

Sharifullah's Confession

According to a Justice Department affidavit, Sharifullah confessed to scouting the attack route and training gunmen involved in a terrorist attack near Moscow last year. He revealed that he was imprisoned in Afghanistan from 2019 until approximately two weeks before the Abbey Gate bombing. Upon his release, an ISIS-K member contacted him to arrange for his assistance in an upcoming attack.

The Plot Unfolds

Sharifullah's role in the plot included scouting a route near Hamid Karzai International Airport for an attacker, specifically checking for law enforcement and American or Taliban checkpoints. ISIS-K members provided him with a motorcycle, funds for a cell phone and SIM card, and instructions on how to communicate with them during the attack operation.

A Nation Remembers

The Abbey Gate bombing remains a deeply painful reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. service members in Afghanistan. President Trump's announcement of Sharifullah's capture and extradition has been met with gratitude and relief from many Americans, including families of those who lost their lives in the attack.