WASHINGTON: The United States has said that the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, linked to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, with Pakistan’s assistance demonstrates vital US-Pakistan cooperation on counterterrorism.
“We extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, we do, for their partnership in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice,” said US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce during a press briefing.
She further added that Pakistan and the US have a common interest in fighting terrorism.
Her statement comes after US President Donald Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s assistance in apprehending Sharifullah responsible for killing 13 US service members during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
During his address to a joint session of Congress, President Trump announced, “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.”
The bombing took place on August 26, 2021, as US troops were trying to help Americans and Afghans flee the country after the Taliban’s takeover.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif disclosed that Sharifullah, a high-ranking operational commander of Daesh, was captured in a successful operation conducted in the Pakistan-Afghan border region.
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He added that Pakistan has consistently played a crucial role in counter-terrorism efforts to prevent terrorists and militant groups from using safe havens to launch attacks against other country.
Meanwhile, Sharifullah appeared in a Virginia court near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, where he was officially assigned a public defender and provided with an interpreter.
He did not enter a plea. The judge stated that his next appearance will be on March 10 at the same courthouse, and he will remain in custody until then.
