Donald Trump thanks Pakistan govt for help in apprehending terrorism suspect

In a historic joint speech to Congress on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States has captured the mastermind behind the deadly 2021 Kabul airport Abbey Gate attack and thanked the Pakistani government for assisting in the apprehension.

The recently elected 47th president revealed that the suspect, Mohammad Sharifullah, had been apprehended and was being extradited to the U.S. to face justice.

"Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity," Trump declared, adding that "he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice."

He thanked the Government of Pakistan for assisting in apprehending the "monster" and added that it was a huge day for the affected families.

"This was a very momentous day for those 13 families, whom I actually got to know very well, whose children were murdered. What a horrible day," he added, acknowledging the grief of the victims’ families.

The attack during the tense withdrawal from Afghanistan claimed the lives of approximately 170 Afghan civilians and 13 American service members.

Trump also criticised his predecessor, Joe Biden, calling the Afghanistan withdrawal "disastrous and incompetent" and "perhaps the most embarrassing moment in our country's history."  

The Biden administration had previously defended its actions, arguing that decisions made under Trump limited its options. It has also cited delays caused by the Afghan government and US intelligence assessments.  

Trump asserted that capturing Sharifullah was a major breakthrough in holding those responsible accountable and bringing justice to the fallen soldiers and their families.

"As President Trump just announced, I can report that tonight the FBI, DOJ, and CIA have extradited one of the terrorists responsible for the murder of the 13 American soldiers at Abbey Gate during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal," FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Trump's announcement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for acknowledging Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts.  

In a post on X, his official account stated:

We thank US President Donald Trump for acknowledging and appreciating Pakistan's role and support in counter terrorism efforts across the region, in the context of Pakistan Security Forces’ recent apprehension of ISKP’s top tier operational commander Shareefullah, who is an Afghanistan National. The wanted terrorist was apprehended in a successful operation conducted in Pakistan-Afghan border region. 

As is well-known, Pakistan has always played a critical role in counter terrorism efforts aimed at denying safe havens to terrorists and militant groups the space to operate against any other country. We remain steadfast in our resolve and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. 

In this effort, Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices, including the lives of over 80,000 of our brave soldiers and citizens. 

The resolve of our leadership and our people remains unflinching, to eradicate the menace of terrorism from our country. We will continue to partner closely with the United States in securing regional peace and stability.