Latest news with #Daesh-K
Arab News
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Accused Daesh militant handed over to US by Pakistan appears in court over Kabul airport attack
ALEXANDRIA, United States: A Daesh operative who allegedly helped carry out the 2021 suicide bombing outside Kabul airport during the chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan appeared in a Virginia court Wednesday. Mohammad Sharifullah has confessed to scouting out the route to the airport, where the suicide bomber later detonated his device among packed crowds trying to flee days after the Taliban seized control of Kabul, the Justice Department said. The blast at the Abbey Gate killed at least 170 Afghans as well as 13 US troops who were securing the airport's perimeter. Sharifullah appeared in a court in Alexandria, near the US capital Washington, wearing light blue prison garb and a black face mask. He was officially appointed a public defender and provided with an interpreter. He did not enter a plea. His next appearance will be in the same courthouse on Monday, and he will stay in custody until then, the judge said. Sharifullah — who the US says also goes by the name Jafar and is a member of Daesh's Khorasan branch in Afghanistan and Pakistan — was detained by Pakistani authorities and brought to the United States. President Donald Trump triumphantly announced his arrest Tuesday in an address to Congress, calling him 'the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity.' Daesh militants gave Sharifullah a cellphone and a SIM card and told him to check the route to the airport, according to the Justice Department's affidavit in the case. When he gave it the all-clear, they told him to leave the area, it said. 'Later that same day, Sharifullah learned of the attack at HKIA [Hamid Karzai International Airport] described above and recognized the alleged bomber as an Daesh-K operative he had known while incarcerated,' the affidavit said, using an alternative acronym for the group. Sharifullah is charged with 'providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.' Trump thanked Islamabad 'for helping arrest this monster.' 'This evil Daesh-K terrorist orchestrated the brutal murder of 13 heroic Marines,' US Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. Sharifullah also admitted to involvement in several other attacks, the Justice Department said, including the March 2024 Moscow Crocus City Hall attack, in which he said 'he had shared instructions on how to use AK-style rifles and other weapons to would-be attackers' by video. The United States withdrew its last troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, ending a chaotic evacuation of tens of thousands of Afghans who had rushed to Kabul's airport in the hope of boarding a flight out of the country. Images of crowds storming the airport, climbing onto aircraft as they took off — and some clinging to a departing US military cargo plane as it rolled down the runway — aired on news bulletins around the world. In 2023, the White House announced that a Daesh official involved in plotting the airport attack had been killed in an operation by Afghanistan's new Taliban government. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for acknowledging his country's role in counter-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan, and promised to 'continue to partner closely with the United States' in a post on X. Pakistan's strategic importance has waned since the US and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has seen violence rebound in the border regions. Tensions between the neighboring countries have soared, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of failing to root out militants sheltering on Afghan soil who launch attacks on Pakistan. The Taliban government denies the charges and in a statement said Sharifullah's arrest 'is proof' that Daesh hideouts are on Pakistani soil. Daesh, which has claimed several recent attacks in Afghanistan, has staged a growing number of bloody international assaults, including killing more than 90 people in an Iranian bombing last year. Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute director at the Wilson Center, said on X that Pakistan was trying to 'leverage US concerns about terror in Afghanistan and pitch a renewed security partnership.'
Express Tribune
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
US-Pakistan cooperation key to Sharifullah's arrest, State Dept Says
Listen to article The arrest of Daesh-K terrorist Mohammad Sharifullah has highlighted the ongoing importance of US-Pakistan counter-terrorism cooperation, according to a statement from US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was apprehended by Pakistani authorities and later extradited to the United States based on intelligence provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In a press briefing on Thursday, Bruce expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in securing Sharifullah's capture. 'We extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for their partnership in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice,' she said, emphasising that the arrest underscores the vital nature of continued collaboration in fighting terrorism. Sharifullah is believed to have played a significant part in the 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul's Abbey Gate during the US military's withdrawal from Afghanistan, an attack that killed over 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen. The US Justice Department revealed that Sharifullah had confessed to scouting the airport's route before the bomb went off, amid a crowd attempting to flee Kabul after the Taliban's takeover. Source: Screengrab via Express News The arrest also illustrated the role of critical intelligence exchanged between the Trump administration and Pakistani officials, which helped lead to Sharifullah's confession. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt commended the success of the operation, which she described as a testament to the strength of US-Pakistan cooperation. President Donald Trump hailed Sharifullah's capture in a speech to Congress, calling him "the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity" and expressing thanks to Pakistan for its role. In response, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the recognition and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to further cooperation with the US in counter-terrorism efforts. Sharifullah has been charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation resulting in death. He has appeared in court in Alexandria, though he has not entered a plea. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday. This joint effort highlights the continued importance of the partnership between the US and Pakistan in tackling terrorism and maintaining regional stability.
Express Tribune
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sharifullah, suspect in Kabul airport bombing appears in US court following capture
Listen to article Mohammad Sharifullah, a suspect in the suicide bombing at Kabul airport during the chaotic US withdrawal in 2021, appeared in a US federal court on March 5, 2025, after being captured in Pakistan. The bombing, which killed 13 US service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians, has led to widespread condemnation and criticism of the Biden administration's handling of the US exit from Afghanistan. Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, is charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, leading to death. During his first hearing before Judge William Porter, Sharifullah was informed that if convicted, he could face life imprisonment. Due to his limited English proficiency, Sharifullah used a Dari translator to understand the proceedings. According to the FBI affidavit, Sharifullah admitted to his role in the August 26, 2021, attack, where he helped guide the suicide bomber to the airport and informed other Daesh-K militants about the cleared path for the attack. PHOTO: Mohammad Sharifullah, alleged co-conspirator in the murder of American soldiers at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan, apprehended and extradited last night — wheels down to face American justice. Thank you to our great partners @AGPamBondi, @JohnRatcliffe, @DNIGabbard, and brave… — FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 5, 2025 Sharifullah, who joined Daesh-K in 2016, confessed to aiding in several other attacks orchestrated by the group. The attack at Kabul airport occurred amid the final days of the US military's withdrawal. The bombing occurred at Abbey Gate, where crowds had gathered to flee the Taliban regime. However, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid distanced Afghanistan from the matter, claiming that the Daesh-K figures had taken refuge in Pakistan. Sharifullah's case continues to develop, and his next court appearance is scheduled for March 10, 2025. The US government has vowed to bring all individuals responsible for the bombing to justice. Pakistan's intelligence agencies had recently captured senior Daesh commander, Mohammad Sharifullah during a special operation. The arrest was made following a lead from US intelligence, and Sharifullah, a key member of Daesh, was apprehended near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Recognised as a high-value target by the United States, Sharifullah was identified as the mastermind behind the Kabul attack, one of the deadliest moments of the US withdrawal. In response to this success, US President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude towards Pakistan, acknowledging the country's crucial role in counterterrorism cooperation. During a speech to Congress, Trump praised Pakistan for its efforts and underscored the significance of Sharifullah's capture. The arrest is seen as a critical achievement in the fight against Daesh and a testament to the growing collaboration between the two nations in combating terrorism. Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Trump made the announcement, stating: 'Three and a half years ago, a [Daesh] terrorist killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing. Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice.' After revealing the arrest, Trump took a moment to thank the Pakistani government for its cooperation in the operation. 'I want to thank, especially, the Pakistani government for helping arrest this monster,' Trump said. 'This was a very momentous day for the 13 families I got to know very well, whose children were murdered on that fateful day.' In turn, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan reiterated his country's commitment to regional peace and stability, emphasizing the longstanding partnership with the United States in the fight against terrorism. On social media, Sharif thanked Trump for recognizing Pakistan's role in the global counterterrorism effort, particularly in relation to Afghanistan. He highlighted Pakistan's history of counterterrorism work, noting the sacrifices made by over 80,000 soldiers and civilians in combating extremist forces. PM Shehbaz further stressed that Pakistan's leadership and people remain steadfast in their resolve to eliminate terrorism and take every possible measure towards achieving this goal. He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to work closely with the US to foster peace and stability in the region.
Arab News
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan hails renewed cooperation with US after Sharifullah arrest
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan highlighted its counterterrorism cooperation with Washington after the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, whom it blames for a 2021 attack on US troops at Kabul airport, in a military operation along the border with Afghanistan. 'We will continue to partner closely with the United States in securing regional peace and stability,' Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump thanked the country for the arrest, adding Sharifullah was on his way to the United States. The United States has charged Sharifullah with helping to plan the attack and a hearing was scheduled for him in a federal court in Virginia on Wednesday, the US Department of Justice said. The 2021 bombing at Kabul airport killed at least 170 Afghans and 13 US troops as they sought to help Americans and Afghans flee in the chaotic aftermath of the Taliban takeover. The attack was claimed by Daesh-K, the Afghan branch of the Daesh group. The US Justice Department has charged Sharifullah with 'providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources' to the group. 'He confessed. This was the planner of that bombing,' White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said in an interview with Fox News. FBI Director Kash Patel said Sharifullah was in US custody, in a post on X alongside a picture of agents standing in front of the plane that he was due to arrive on. Pakistan had launched an operation along its Afghan border to capture Sharifullah, whom Sharif described as an Afghan national and top commander for militant group Daesh Khorasan. 'We thank US President Donald Trump for acknowledging and appreciating Pakistan's role and support in counterterrorism efforts,' Sharif added in another statement. Afghanistan's Taliban government did not respond to a request for comment. Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, had spoken with US national security adviser Mike Walsh on Tuesday, according to a Pakistani foreign office statement. Dar 'reiterated that Pakistan looked forward to building on its longstanding and broad-based relationship with the United States under President Trump and his Administration,' it said. SHIFTING TIES Perennially shifting ties between Islamabad and Washington had been soured by concerns about Pakistan's alleged support of Afghanistan's Taliban rulers. Although Pakistan denies such support, its links with Washington have frayed, while arch-rival India has gained greater influence. 'This is a significant development in that US-Pakistan ties have been in an unsettled state in the nearly four years since the US exit from Afghanistan,' said Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington D.C. A Pakistani security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Sharifullah's arrest was part of wide-ranging joint counterterrorism efforts. 'Excellent cooperation has been established between Pakistan and President Trump's new government,' the official added. In a statement, the US Justice Department said it had caught Sharifullah with the help of the CIA and FBI agencies, without naming Pakistan. Islamabad is making use of concerns about regional security and counterterrorism 'to engage with Trump, who otherwise has no interest in Pakistan,' said defense analyst Ayesha Siddiqa. 'For now (the arrest) is just to signal to the United States that Pakistan is there and can be relied upon as a partner,' she added.
Arab News
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Germany jails two Afghans in suspected Sweden attack plot
They were found guilty of plotting to 'kill members of parliament... in response to the burning of Qur'an in Sweden,' the higher regional court said Ibrahim M. G., 30, was sentenced to five years and six months in jail, and Ramin N., 24, received a sentence of four years and two monthsBERLIN: Two Afghan men linked to the Daesh group were jailed in Germany on Thursday for planning an attack on the Swedish parliament in retaliation for Qur'an burnings by two suspects, identified as Ibrahim M. G. and Ramin N., had allegedly tried but failed to buy guns for the were found guilty of plotting to 'kill members of parliament... in response to the burning of Qur'an in Sweden,' the higher regional court in Thuringia said in a M. G., 30, was sentenced to five years and six months in jail, and Ramin N., 24, received a sentence of four years and two defendants, who arrived in Germany in 2015 and 2016 respectively, were Daesh sympathizers who 'shared the Daesh worldview and endorsed (its) violent approach,' the court August 2023, Ibrahim M. G. became a member of the Daesh-Khorasan (Daesh-K), an offshoot of Daesh, the court two men hatched a plot to 'kill members of parliament and anyone who tried to stop the attack with firearms in the area of the Swedish parliament,' the court had searched the Internet for locations in Stockholm, how to travel to Sweden and how to acquire had also traveled to the Czech Republic to purchase firearms on the black market but the plan had fallen were arrested in the Gera area of eastern Germany in March men were found guilty of plotting to commit a crime. Ibrahim M.G. was also convicted of being a member of a terrorist organization, and Ramin N. of supporting a terrorist was 'an especially dangerous terrorist organization whose attacks and atrocities were known to and endorsed by the defendants,' the court to the plot, Ibrahim M. G. was also found to have arranged for 200 euros ($210) to be transferred to an Iranian bank account for the support of women and children of Daesh fighters at the Al-Hol camp in M. G. made a full confession during the extremists have committed several attacks in Germany in recent years, the deadliest being a truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016 that killed 12 motives are also suspected in several recent stabbings and car ramming attacks blamed on migrants in Germany, which have led to a bitter debate on October 2023, German prosecutors charged two Syrian brothers for planning an attack inspired by Daesh at a church in Sweden over Qur'an burnings.A series of Qur'an burnings were held across Sweden in 2023, mainly by immigration opponents, sparking outrage in the Muslim world.
