ISIS-K member confessed to scouting Abbey Gate attack route: Justice Department
The ISIS-K member identified by President Donald Trump as the mastermind behind the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan has confessed to his involvement in the attack as well as another terrorist incident near Moscow last year. Muhammed Sharifullah, who is facing charges of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, is set to make his first federal court appearance in Virginia.
According to a Justice Department affidavit, Sharifullah admitted to scouting the route for the Abbey Gate attack after being released from prison in Afghanistan. He was tasked with surveilling the area near Hamid Karzai International Airport and ensuring that the attacker could pass through undetected. Sharifullah also revealed that he trained gunmen involved in a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 130 people.
Following Sharifullah’s capture, FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were seen awaiting his arrival in the U.S. President Trump announced Sharifullah’s arrest during his address to a joint Congress, emphasizing the significance of capturing the top terrorist responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members.
The Justice Department released photos showing the officials at the airport awaiting Sharifullah’s extradition flight, highlighting the coordinated effort to bring him to justice. National security advisor Michael Waltz described the emotional response of the Abbey Gate victims’ families upon learning of Sharifullah’s capture, underscoring the administration’s commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their actions.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi affirmed that under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Justice would ensure that terrorists like Sharifullah have no safe haven and would be brought to justice in a U.S. court. FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to pursuing those responsible for the heinous act at Abbey Gate and ensuring that they face the consequences of their actions.
The Justice Department’s affidavit detailed Sharifullah’s involvement in both the Abbey Gate attack and the Moscow terrorist incident, underscoring the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies to track down and apprehend those responsible for such acts of violence. The capture of Sharifullah serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the U.S. government to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
