Afghan Suspect Charged in 2021 Kabul Attack That Killed 13 U.S. Troops

F.B.I. Arrests Afghan National Linked to 2021 Kabul Airport Attack

In a significant move concerning national security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) announced the arrest of an Afghan national, Mohammad Sharifullah, who is believed to have played a crucial role in the deadly attack on U.S. service members during the tumultuous evacuation from Afghanistan in August 2021. This operation is seen as part of ongoing efforts to hold accountable those who enable terrorist activities against the United States and its allies. The arrest was disclosed by the Justice Department on Wednesday.

Sharifullah is charged with assisting a suicide bomber in navigating towards the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul without alerting U.S. forces. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. military personnel and inflicted injuries on around 160 Afghan civilians, marking one of the darkest moments during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The attack occurred at what is known as the Abbey Gate, which became a focal point for thousands of civilians trying to escape the increasingly dangerous environment as the Taliban regained control of the country.

Upon being apprehended, Sharifullah was flown back to the United States and is facing federal charges for violations of terrorism statutes. He is expected to appear in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. If found guilty, Sharifullah could face life imprisonment.

The successful capture of Sharifullah is attributed to a coordinated intelligence effort, wherein the United States reportedly shared critical information with Pakistani authorities that led to his arrest in Pakistan’s border region with Afghanistan. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the arrest, commenting on the collaborative security operations aimed at combatting terrorism.

In a recent interview conducted by F.B.I. agents from the Washington field office, Sharifullah admitted to being a member of the Islamic State Khorasan, commonly referred to as ISIS-K—an organization designated by the U.S. State Department as a terrorist group. The F.B.I. noted that during his interrogation, Sharifullah detailed his involvement in the preparation for the suicide attack at the airport. He confessed to scouting the bomber’s route, and acknowledged his connection to the specific ISIS-K operative who executed the attack.

Further complicating his narrative was his admission of past involvement in various terrorist activities for ISIS-K. Sharifullah indicated that he had previously spent time in an Afghan prison from late 2019 until shortly before the airport attack. Following his release, he was contacted by ISIS-K operatives who provided him with a motorcycle and financial support, including money to purchase a cellphone which was to be used for communication with fellow operatives during the attack.

In addition to the Kabul airport tragedy, the F.B.I. reported that Sharifullah has acknowledged participation in other fatal assaults on behalf of ISIS-K. Notably, he contributed to the planning of a 2016 suicide bombing targeting the Canadian Embassy in Kabul, which resulted in the deaths of ten guards and injuries to several soldiers stationed at the embassy. Though the initial reports indicate ten fatalities, subsequent investigations by The New York Times suggested that as many as fifteen guards could have lost their lives.

Moreover, Sharifullah reportedly possessed knowledge of a horrific attack that occurred in March 2024 at a music venue near Moscow, which claimed the lives of approximately 130 individuals. Russian authorities took four gunmen into custody following this incident. Sharifullah claimed to have shared tactical instructions on the usage of assault rifles and other weaponry with at least two individuals involved in that attack.

The involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Sharifullah’s apprehension was underscored, which is atypical as the CIA’s participation in law enforcement actions is generally kept confidential due to the secretive nature of its operations. The open acknowledgment of the CIA’s role in this case speaks to the significance attributed to the arrest.

Erik S. Siebert, acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, expressed the sentiment of the Justice Department and the broader U.S. government, stating that today’s charges send a clear message about America’s unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who facilitate and execute acts of terrorism against its citizens and service members.

This arrest comes amidst mounting scrutiny of the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and the corresponding security challenges faced by U.S. forces and civilians. The events surrounding the 2021 evacuation underscored the dangers and complexities inhibiting the withdrawal process, leading to criticisms of the administration following the chaotic circumstances that unfolded.

As the case progresses, it not only highlights the ongoing threat posed by groups like ISIS-K but also reinforces the United States’ resolve to pursue justice for those attacked in acts of terrorism. The international and internal implications of Sharifullah’s arrest will likely influence discussions surrounding future counter-terrorism strategies as the threat of extremism persists.