KEY POINTS
- Pakistani intelligence apprehended ISIS-K terrorist Sharifullah Afghani near the Afghanistan border.
- Sharifullah Afghani is accused of orchestrating the August 2021 Kabul attack that killed 13 US troops.
- The arrest highlights strong intelligence-sharing and operational cooperation between Islamabad and Washington.
- In his congressional address, President Trump praised Pakistan for facilitating the capture.
- Western powers are recognising Pakistan’s role in regional counterterrorism and security.
ISLAMABAD: Acting on tipoff provided by the CIA, Pakistani intelligence agencies swiftly apprehended ISIS-K operative Sharifullah Afghani from the rugged mountainous terrain along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He was extradited to the United States on Tuesday night, as confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel.
Sharifullah Afghani is allegedly a key figure behind the August 2021 suicide bombing at Abbey Gate during the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, which killed 13 American service members and numerous others.
Despite efforts by certain elements to misrepresent the arrest, it is important to recognise that this was a classic intelligence operation involving exemplary coordination between Pakistani and American agencies.
While the United States provided the intelligence, the Pakistani authorities successfully carried out the apprehension.
This operation is a reflection of the broader and ongoing security cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
Other notable engagements include the recent visit of a high-level US delegation, led by Gentry Beach, a close aide to US President Donald Trump.
Beach, who serves as Trump’s advisor on digital assets, visited Pakistan in January 2025. Discussions during the visit included Pakistan’s plans to establish a National Crypto Council in consultation with the US.
President Trump, in his inaugural address to Congress on Wednesday, publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s role in capturing Sharifullah Afghani.
“Three and a half years ago, a [Daesh] terrorist killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing,” Trump stated.
“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.”
Following a round of applause, Trump expressed his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for facilitating the arrest. “This is a huge day for the affected families,” he added.
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Beyond this latest development, the United States has also acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding concerns about Afghanistan being a hub of terrorist activity.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Afghanistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil and launching attacks on Pakistan. The US now recognises Pakistan’s position and the threat posed by such elements.
Furthermore, there is a growing realisation in Washington regarding the risks associated with the large cache of American weapons and ammunition left behind in Afghanistan following the US military withdrawal.
These arms have increasingly been used by terrorist groups, and Pakistan has consistently called for their removal. The latest statements from US officials indicate that this concern is being taken seriously.
Pakistan’s strategic significance was further underscored during the recent visit of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to the United Kingdom, where he received an unprecedented reception.
Western powers are increasingly viewing Pakistan through the lens of its counterterrorism efforts and its importance to regional stability.
Both Islamabad and Washington are aligned in their objective of ensuring regional peace, bilateral engagements are expected to continue progressing at a rapid pace.
