US Captures Key Terrorist Linked to Afghanistan Bombing That Claimed Lives of 13 US Service Members
President Donald Trump announced the apprehension of a top terrorist during his joint address to Congress on March 4.
The U.S. has apprehended the individual responsible for the bombing that resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
This bombing took place at Abbey Gate outside Kabul’s airport.
“Tonight, I am happy to share that we have apprehended the individual responsible for that horrific act, and he is currently en route to face the swift arm of American justice,” Trump stated.
Sharifullah was handed over to U.S. authorities by Pakistan and is being extradited to the United States for prosecution, according to Trump.
FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the extradition in a post on the social media platform X.
“As President Trump just announced, I can confirm that tonight the FBI, DOJ, and CIA have extradited one of the terrorists responsible for the murder of the 13 American soldiers at Abbey Gate during the tragic Afghanistan withdrawal,” he said. “This brings us one step closer to justice for these American heroes and their families.”
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The bombing claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members, including Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Marine Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Marine Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Marine Cpl. Daegan W. Page, Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, Marine Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, Marine Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Marine Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss.
During his address, Trump criticized the manner in which the withdrawal was executed, stating that it was “the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country,” even though he supported the decision to withdraw U.S. forces.
During his first term, Trump negotiated a deal with the Taliban, which was conditional and aimed at facilitating the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
The United States maintained a presence in Afghanistan from October 2001 until August 2021.
The Trump administration has committed to pursuing accountability for those responsible for the flawed withdrawal.
