On March 2, 2025, Mohammad Sharifullah, also known by his alias “Jafar,” was officially charged by the United States with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, ISIS-K, which led to the deaths of 13 American Marines.
This is a significant step in holding accountable those responsible for the horrific attack on American service members during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Sharifullah, a known member of ISIS-K, is accused of playing a crucial role in the attack at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, which saw the tragic loss of U.S. military personnel and Afghan civilians.
As a result, Sharifullah faces serious charges, including conspiracy to provide resources to a terrorist group, which carries a potential life sentence.
A Tragic Attack at Abbey Gate
The August 2021 attack occurred as American and Coalition forces were in the midst of evacuating civilians from Afghanistan.
A suicide bombing, carried out by ISIS-K member Abdul Rahman al-Logari, targeted Abbey Gate at the airport, killing 13 U.S. service members and around 160 civilians.
Sharifullah’s role involved scouting routes and preparing for the attack by assessing the area for law enforcement or military presence, ensuring the attacker would be able to execute the bombing with minimal detection.
Sharifullah also admitted to knowing al-Logari personally and being aware of his role in the attack.
This information came to light during Sharifullah’s interview with FBI agents on March 2, 2025, following his arrest.
His confession revealed a pattern of involvement in multiple other terrorist acts, making him a key figure in ISIS-K’s operations.
A History of Deadly Collaborations
Sharifullah’s criminal actions are not limited to the August 2021 bombing.
He has also been linked to several other high-profile ISIS-K attacks.
In 2016, Sharifullah was involved in preparing and transporting a suicide bomber who targeted the Canadian embassy in Kabul, resulting in the deaths of embassy guards and numerous civilians.
Additionally, in March 2024, Sharifullah is accused of providing tactical support for a deadly attack in Moscow, where ISIS-K operatives killed approximately 130 people.
Sharifullah’s involvement in training and advising terrorist operatives on the use of firearms and other weaponry further illustrates his significant role in facilitating acts of terror.
These admissions, along with the collaboration of intelligence agencies like the FBI, DOJ, and CIA, have played a crucial part in securing his apprehension.
The Legal Process and What Lies Ahead
As of now, Sharifullah is in U.S. custody and will appear before a court in the Eastern District of Virginia on March 5, 2025.
If convicted, he faces life in prison for his role in these heinous crimes.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys and National Security Division trial attorneys, all working to bring Sharifullah to justice for his involvement in terrorism.
This case underscores the U.S. commitment to holding terrorists accountable, no matter how long it takes or how far they may run.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel both emphasized the nation’s determination to pursue justice for the fallen American heroes.
A Promise of Justice
U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert reiterated that the United States will not forget those affected by Sharifullah’s actions and will continue the pursuit of justice for all victims of terror. The charges against Sharifullah highlight the U.S.
government’s ongoing fight against terrorism and its promise to ensure that those responsible for the deaths of American service members and civilians will face the consequences of their actions.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the public remains hopeful that justice will be served, and Sharifullah, along with others like him, will be held accountable for their role in the devastating acts of terror that shook the world.