United States Arrests ISIS-K Attack Planner for Terrorism Role in Killing of US Military Service Members at Abbey Gate, Afghanistan

The United States Department of Justice has indicted Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as "Jafar," for providing and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation resulting in death. A key member of ISIS-K (Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province), Sharifullah has been arrested and is scheduled to appear in the Eastern District of Virginia on 5 March 2025.

A Landmark Arrest in the Fight Against Terrorism

Sharifullah’s arrest marks a significant milestone in holding ISIS-K operatives accountable for their violent actions. Attorney General Pamela Bondi underscored the severity of the charges, stating that Sharifullah orchestrated the brutal murder of 13 US Marines in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. She reaffirmed that the Department of Justice remains steadfast in ensuring terrorists face the full weight of American law.

FBI & DOJ Commitment to Justice

FBI Director Kash Patel reinforced the agency’s determination to combat terrorism, describing the attack on US service members and Afghan civilians during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan as a direct act of terror. He emphasised that ISIS-K had claimed responsibility for the Abbey Gate bombing and credited the collaborative efforts of the FBI, DOJ, and CIA for the successful apprehension and extradition of Sharifullah to the United States for prosecution.

Details of the Kabul Airport Bombing

The attack at Abbey Gate, Hamid Karzai International Airport, on 26 August 2021, was one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in recent history. An ISIS-K suicide bomber, Abdul Rahman al-Logari, detonated an explosive device, killing 13 US military personnel and approximately 160 Afghan civilians. According to FBI investigations, Sharifullah admitted to aiding in the planning of the attack by scouting routes to bypass American, Taliban, and law enforcement checkpoints.

Links to Other Deadly Attacks

Sharifullah's involvement in terrorist activities extends beyond Afghanistan:

• 20 June 2016 – Kabul Suicide Bombing: A suicide bomber targeted the Canadian embassy, killing over ten security guards and civilians. Investigators allege that Sharifullah provided surveillance and transported the bomber to the attack site.

• 22 March 2024 – Moscow Concert Hall Attack: A group of ISIS-K gunmen attacked Crocus City Hall in Moscow, resulting in 130 deaths and multiple injuries. During his FBI interrogation, Sharifullah admitted to training the attackers in the use of AK-style rifles and other weapons.

Legal Consequences

If convicted, Sharifullah faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. His prosecution is being led by Assistant US Attorneys Michael P. Ben’Ary and Troy A. Edwards, Jr., alongside DOJ National Security Division Trial Attorneys Alicia Cook, Charles Kovats, and Ryan White.

The United States remains resolute in its commitment to delivering justice for terrorist attacks. The indictment of Sharifullah underscores the relentless efforts of US law enforcement and intelligence agencies to track down and prosecute ISIS-K operatives, regardless of their location.

This remains an ongoing legal matter, and all allegations against Sharifullah must be proven in a court of law.

View the affidavit here and complaint here.

Read the press release here.