ISIS commander and key suspect in the Kabul Airport bombing, Mohammad Sharifullah, appeared before a U.S. federal court on Wednesday after being extradited from Pakistan.
The militant, known for orchestrating multiple attacks, faces charges related to the bombing that claimed the lives of over a dozen American troops and more than 170 Afghan civilians during the U.S. withdrawal from war-torn Afghanistan.
Read more: Trump Commends Pakistan for Arresting Key Suspect in 2021 Kabul Airport Attack
During his initial court hearing in Virginia, he was informed that he could face a life sentence. A photo of him in a blue prison uniform surfaced online, and he communicated with the judge via an interpreter.
According to international media reports, Sharifullah lacks financial resources and will require a public defender. Further details are expected to emerge, with a formal detention hearing scheduled for Monday.
His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the Kabul attack, which took place on August 26, 2021, when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the airport’s Abbey Gate. The attack was one of the deadliest incidents during the U.S. withdrawal.
The American government confirmed that Sharifullah was captured in Pakistan in a joint operation conducted by Pakistani intelligence and a U.S. federal agency.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the operation in a statement, while President Trump expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its cooperation during his address to Congress.
As authorities intensify efforts to dismantle ISIS-K operations in the region, Sharifullah’s court proceedings are being closely monitored, with officials underscoring the seriousness of the charges and reaffirming their commitment to holding those responsible for the attack accountable.
