ISLAMABAD: An Afghan national is currently on trial in a US federal court for allegedly playing a role in the deadly bombing at Kabul airport in 2021, which occurred during the final days of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to Ariana News.
Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” is charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support to ISIS-K, the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State group, resulting in death. He has pleaded not guilty.
The attack took place on August 26, 2021, at Kabul International Airport, where thousands of Afghans had gathered in hopes of evacuation as the Taliban, referred to by authorities as the Islamic Emirate, returned to power. The bombing killed more than 180 people, including 13 US service members.
A jury was selected earlier this week, with opening statements and testimony now underway. If convicted, Sharifullah could face life imprisonment.
Prosecutors allege that Sharifullah assisted in preparing for the bombing at Abbey Gate, the airport’s main entry point during the evacuation. According to court filings, he told FBI investigators that he scouted a route for the attacker, checked for security presence, and reported back to other ISIS-K members that the path was clear.
The suicide bombing was carried out by Abdul Rahman al-Logari, who detonated an explosive device at approximately 5:36 p.m., causing mass casualties among civilians and military personnel.
Authorities say Sharifullah had been released from prison roughly two weeks before the attack and was subsequently recruited by ISIS-K. Prosecutors claim he was given a motorcycle and a mobile phone to assist in the operation.
Assistant US Attorney John Gibbs told jurors that Sharifullah made multiple statements to investigators during FBI interviews conducted in Pakistan, during transit to the United States, and after his arrival.
“You will hear his words, and you will see a great deal of evidence of his guilt,” Gibbs said.
Defense attorney Geremy Kamens pushed back strongly, arguing that prosecutors had charged the wrong individual and that any statements made by Sharifullah were obtained under duress.
“This man, Mohammad Sharifullah, had nothing to do with it,” Kamens told the court, framing the case as one of mistaken identity.
Expert witness Bruce Hoffman testified about ISIS operations and described the chaotic conditions at the airport ahead of the attack as “complete pandemonium.”
During cross-examination, the defense also sought to highlight the role of the Taliban in controlling Kabul at the time, suggesting their influence on the security situation leading up to the bombing.
In April 2023, Taliban authorities claimed they had killed an ISIS-K figure they described as the mastermind behind the Abbey Gate attack. Officials from Joe Biden's administration said the operation was carried out without US involvement.
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