US-Pakistan Cooperation On Counterterrorism ‘Vital’: State Dept

The United States has emphasized the vital importance of its counter-terrorism partnership with Pakistan following the arrest and extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah, a Daesh-K operative allegedly involved in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 US troops and approximately 170 Afghan civilians.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s crucial role in the operation during a press briefing in Washington, stating: “We extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for their partnership in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice.” Bruce further emphasized that “US-Pakistan cooperation on counterterrorism remains vitally important,” highlighting the common interest both nations share in combating terrorism.

This recognition comes after President Donald Trump announced Sharifullah’s arrest during an address to Congress, calling him “the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity” while thanking Pakistan for the apprehension. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded by thanking Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and pledged to “continue to partner closely with the United States” in a statement posted on social media platform X.

According to Justice Department documents, Sharifullah, who also goes by the name Jafar, has confessed to scouting the route to Kabul airport ahead of the August 2021 suicide bombing. The attack occurred during the chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, days after the Taliban seized control of Kabul.

The affidavit states that Daesh-K militants provided Sharifullah with a cellphone and SIM card to check the route to the airport. After giving clearance, he was instructed to leave the area before the attack was carried out. Sharifullah later recognized the bomber as someone he had known while previously incarcerated.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt revealed that the Trump administration shared critical intelligence with Pakistani authorities, which facilitated Sharifullah’s confession before Pakistani officials. This intelligence sharing underscores the collaborative nature of the investigation and the trust between the two countries’ security establishments.

Sharifullah has already made his first appearance in a court in Alexandria but did not enter a plea. He is scheduled for another court appearance on Monday and will remain in custody until then. He faces charges of “providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.”

The successful extradition and prosecution of Sharifullah represents a significant achievement in US-Pakistan security cooperation, demonstrating how bilateral collaboration can effectively address regional security threats and bring terrorists to justice. As Leavitt stated, “President Trump brought justice to the families of thirteen American heroes,” while the overall operation serves as “a testament to the value of US-Pakistan cooperation in combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.”

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