A key member of the militant group Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K), Mohammad Sharifullah, has been arraigned in a Virginia court for his alleged involvement in the deadly 2021 Kabul airport suicide bombing. The bombing, which occurred amid the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan, killed at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 US military personnel.
Sharifullah, who has confessed to scouting the route used by the suicide bomber at Abbey Gate, appeared in an Alexandria court on Wednesday. He was appointed a public defender and provided with an interpreter, though he did not enter a plea. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 10.
The Justice Department’s affidavit reveals that Sharifullah was tasked by ISIS-K operatives to check the area leading to the airport. After confirming the route was clear, he was instructed to leave. He later recognized the bomber as a fellow ISIS-K operative he had known while imprisoned.
Sharifullah faces charges related to providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, resulting in death. He was detained by Pakistani authorities and brought to the US. The United States had previously lauded Pakistan’s cooperation in his arrest.
Additionally, Sharifullah has admitted involvement in other attacks, including the 2024 Moscow Crocus City Hall assault.
