Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” a member of the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), has confessed to participating in significant terrorist attacks in Kabul and Moscow. Sharifullah was apprehended in Pakistan’s Balochistan province through a joint operation by U.S. and Pakistani intelligence agencies and subsequently extradited to the United States.
Involvement in the 2021 Kabul Airport Attack:
On August 26, 2021, during the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan, a suicide bombing occurred at Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, resulting in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians. According to U.S. Department of Justice allegations, Sharifullah conducted reconnaissance prior to the attack, scouting a route near the airport to ensure it was clear of law enforcement and military checkpoints. He then communicated to other ISIS-K members that the path was unobstructed, facilitating the suicide bomber’s access to the target area.
Role in the 2024 Moscow Concert Hall Attack:
Sharifullah also admitted involvement in the March 2024 attack on Crocus City Hall near Moscow, Russia. During this incident, four gunmen affiliated with ISIS-K assaulted the concert hall, killing approximately 145 people and injuring many others. Russian authorities initially attributed the attack to Ukrainian intelligence but later acknowledged ISIS-K’s responsibility. Sharifullah confessed to providing instructions on using AK-style rifles and other weapons to the attackers, contributing to the planning and execution of the assault.
Additional Admissions:
Beyond these attacks, Sharifullah has been linked to other terrorist activities. He confessed to involvement in a 2016 bombing outside the Canadian embassy in Kabul, further highlighting his extensive participation in orchestrating violent operations across different regions.
Legal Proceedings and Charges:
Following his arrest, Sharifullah was charged in the United States with providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2339B. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. During an interview with FBI Special Agents on March 2, 2025, after waiving his Miranda rights, Sharifullah admitted to his roles in the aforementioned attacks, solidifying the evidence against him.
Sharifullah’s admissions underscore the persistent threat posed by ISIS-K and the group’s capacity to orchestrate large-scale attacks beyond its traditional areas of operation. The international community continues to collaborate in efforts to co
unter such extremist organizations and prevent future acts of terrorism.
