Islamabad, March 7, 2025 – In a significant counterterrorism achievement, Pakistani authorities have apprehended Mohammad Sharifullah, a high-ranking commander of ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan), based on intelligence from the CIA. He is believed to have been behind the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing at Kabul Airport, an attack that took place during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and around 170 Afghan civilians.

Pakistan’s Crackdown on Terrorism

Sharifullah, alias “Jafar”, was reportedly arrested by an elite team of Pakistan’s intelligence agency near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, intelligence sources said. The arrest is a major breakthrough in the international war against ISIS-K, a terrorist organization that has carried out numerous fatal attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan over the past few years.

CIA-Pakistan Intelligence Cooperation This high-profile capture was facilitated by increased intelligence-sharing between the CIA and Pakistani officials, marking a new counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries. Relations between the U.S. and Pakistan have been tense in recent years, but this operation underscores continued cooperation in addressing regional security challenges. The CIA had been monitoring Sharifullah’s activities for months prior to passing on vital intelligence to Pakistan. Pakistani officials moved quickly, sending specialized counterterrorism teams to apprehend him.

The Abbey Gate Bombing: A Tragic Reminder

The Abbey Gate bombing, which took place on August 26, 2021, was one of the deadliest of the last days of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. While thousands of Afghans had gathered at Kabul Airport trying to escape the Taliban takeover, a suicide bomber detonated explosives near the Abbey Gate checkpoint, killing and wounding hundreds.

The assault sparked international condemnation and encouraged the U.S. to further bolster its counterterrorism operations against ISIS-K. Sharifullah was said to have been one of the masterminds of the bombing, commanding the attack from a secure location.

What’s Next for Sharifullah?

After his arrest, Pakistani officials handed over Sharifullah to American custody, and he is currently detained in Washington, D.C. for further questioning. The U.S. government will likely indict him for his involvement in the Abbey Gate attack, with potential charges including terrorism, conspiracy, and mass murder.

A top U.S. official characterized the arrest as “a major victory against ISIS-K and a step toward justice for the victims of the Abbey Gate bombing.”

Implications for Regional Security

Sharifullah’s arrest has far-reaching consequences for Pakistan and Afghanistan:

Enhanced Counterterrorism Efforts – Pakistan’s successful operation is a demonstration of its strength in combating terrorism, alleviating the international community of any doubts about its ability to combat terrorist groups.
Reviving U.S.-Pakistan Cooperation – This raid could open the door to greater security and intelligence cooperation between Washington and Islamabad.
Impact on ISIS-K Operations – The arrest of a senior leader such as Sharifullah would lower ISIS-K’s capacity for operations and undermine its future plans.

Final Thoughts

Pakistan’s achievement in detaining Mohammad Sharifullah is a significant win against terrorism on an international level. As investigations further unfold, the world will remain keen to learn how this detention will shape the counterterrorism agendas of South Asia and the globe at large.