The United States has charged Mohammad Sharifullah, alias “Jafar,” a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), with providing and conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.
The charges, filed on March 2, 2025, stem from his alleged role in the August 26, 2021, suicide bombing at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, which killed 13 U.S. service members and approximately 160 Afghan civilians. Sharifullah was arrested and is scheduled to appear today in the Eastern District of Virginia federal court.
The attack at Abbey Gate, the main entry point for a chaotic evacuation operation during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, was carried out by ISIS-K operative Abdul Rahman al-Logari, who detonated a body-worn suicide bomb at 5:36 p.m. local time.
READ: ICE Pennsylvania Arrests Criminal Alien Released From Prison Despite Detainer
The blast devastated thousands of civilians gathered for evacuation, marking one of the deadliest incidents of the withdrawal. In a March 2 interview with FBI agents, after waiving his Miranda rights, Sharifullah confessed to scouting a route to the airport, checking for law enforcement or checkpoints, and assuring ISIS-K members the path was clear. He also recognized al-Logari as a fellow operative from prior acquaintance.
“This evil ISIS-K terrorist orchestrated the brutal murder of 13 heroic service members,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Under President Trump’s strong leadership, this Department of Justice will ensure that terrorists like Mohammad Sharifullah have no safe haven, no second chances, and no worse enemy than the United States of America.”
FBI Director Kash Patel called the Abbey Gate attack “an act of terrorism” for which ISIS-K “brazenly claimed responsibility.” He credited the FBI, DOJ, and CIA for securing Sharifullah’s arrest and extradition, vowing, “We will never forget the loss of these American heroes. We will continue to hunt down those who viciously murdered our warriors and bring them to justice.”
READ: It Turns Out Trump Didn’t Need Border Bill That Dems Said Was Needed To Tame Illegal Migrant Crisis
Sharifullah’s alleged terrorism extends beyond Kabul. He admitted to aiding a June 20, 2016, suicide bombing at the Canadian embassy in Kabul, which killed over ten guards and civilians, by conducting surveillance and transporting the bomber. He also confessed to providing weapons training—specifically on AK-style rifles—for the March 22, 2024, ISIS-K attack on Crocus City Hall near Moscow, which claimed about 130 lives. Sharifullah identified two of the four arrested gunmen as individuals he had instructed.
“The charges announced today carry an unmistakable message: the commitment of the United States to hold accountable all who facilitate and carry out acts of terror against us will never waver,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “To those impacted by these horrific crimes, you are not forgotten. We will pursue justice no matter how long or how far it takes us.”
READ: USCIS Seeks Public Input On New Social Media Identifier Collection For Immigrants
If convicted, Sharifullah faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, with sentencing to be determined by a federal judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael P. Ben’Ary and Troy A. Edwards, Jr., from the Eastern District of Virginia, alongside Trial Attorneys Alicia Cook, Charles Kovats, and Ryan White from the DOJ’s National Security Division.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
