The United States has officially thanked Pakistan for its assistance in capturing Mohammad Sharifullah, the key suspect behind the deadly Abbey Gate bombing in 2021. The US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce acknowledged Pakistan’s role during a press briefing in Washington on Thursday.
“We extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for their partnership in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice,” Bruce said.
During his first address to Congress after resuming office, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the individual responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing had been arrested with Pakistan’s assistance. The attack, which took place during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, was claimed by the banned militant group Islamic State (IS).
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later identified the suspect as Sharifullah, a high-ranking operational commander of Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-KP). The Pakistani leader revealed that the terrorist was captured in an operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
“I want to thank especially the Government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” President Trump stated in his speech to Congress.
In response, PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the US president’s acknowledgment and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism. He stressed that Pakistan has consistently worked to prevent terrorist organizations from establishing safe havens within its borders.
The US State Department spokesperson was also asked whether any official from the US administration had personally thanked Pakistan for this arrest. In addition, a reporter inquired whether President Trump was aware that Imran Khan, described as Pakistan’s “most popular leader,” had been in jail for the past three years and about the reported human rights concerns in the country.
Bruce referred those questions to the Department of Justice, confirming that the suspect had already been extradited to the US to face trial.
She also reaffirmed that US-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation remains vital. “We have a common interest in fighting terrorism, and the arrest of this terrorist highlights that our partnership remains crucial,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bruce addressed a separate issue regarding Iran sanctions. She stated that the US government is reviewing existing sanctions waivers that allow Iran certain economic or financial relief. With the Iraq sanctions waiver for Iranian gas imports set to expire on March 8, the US is encouraging Iraq to reduce its dependence on Iranian energy sources. The Iraqi prime minister has committed to working toward energy independence.
