U.S. Highlights Importance Of Counterterrorism Cooperation With Pakistan

Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, has emphasised the shared interests of the United States and Pakistan in combating terrorism.

During a press briefing, Bruce cited the recent arrest of Sharifullah, the alleged mastermind behind the August 2021 Kabul Airport attack, as evidence of the importance of U.S.-Pakistan counterterrorism collaboration.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump, in his speech at a joint session of Congress, announced that Sharifullah, the key planner of the deadly Kabul airport bombing, was captured with Pakistan’s cooperation.

The August 26, 2021 suicide bombing, carried out by ISIS, occurred amid the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces and the evacuation of Afghans from Kabul Airport. The attack killed approximately 160 Afghan civilians and 13 U.S. soldiers.

Trump and other U.S. officials described Sharifullah’s capture as a relief for the families of the fallen U.S. soldiers and a step toward justice. They also expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for its role in his arrest.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier confirmed that Mohammad Sharifullah is an Afghan citizen who was arrested during an operation near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Following his detention in Pakistan, Sharifullah was transferred to the United States for further legal proceedings.