WASHINGTON — Mohammad Sharifullah, an alleged planner of the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members and at least 170 Afghan civilians, appeared in a Virginia court on Monday, as new courtroom sketches provided the first glimpse of the suspect in U.S. custody.
The attack, carried out during the chaotic final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, was claimed by ISIS-K. The explosion targeted a crowded gate where American troops were assisting Afghans seeking to flee the country following the Taliban takeover.
The U.S. Justice Department has charged Sharifullah with “providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources” to ISIS-K.
His arrest follows a cross-border operation launched by Pakistan near its Afghan border. Pakistani authorities identified him as an Afghan national and a senior commander within ISIS-K.
Sharifullah’s court appearance marks a significant step in the U.S. government’s efforts to hold those responsible for the deadly attack accountable. Further proceedings are expected as prosecutors outline the case against him.
