The Trump administration has captured a key architect of the tragic Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 American service members – and we’re finally learning details about how it was done.
At a glance:
- Mohammad Sharifullah (Jafar), a key planner of the Abbey Gate bombing, was captured by the Trump administration in less than two months
- The Biden administration failed to capture Sharifullah in nearly four years following the attack
- President Trump announced the capture during a Joint Address to Congress in March 2025
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe was instructed to make Sharifullah’s capture a “massive priority”
- Sharifullah faces terrorism charges and could receive a life sentence if convicted
Swift Justice Under Trump’s Leadership
The Trump administration has successfully captured Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, a key suspect in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians. President Donald Trump prioritized the manhunt immediately upon returning to office, achieving in less than two months what the Biden administration failed to accomplish in nearly four years.
Trump announced the significant capture during his Joint Address to Congress in March 2025, highlighting his administration’s commitment to justice for fallen American service members. The operation was executed through cooperation between the CIA and Pakistani Intelligence Service, demonstrating Trump’s effectiveness in rebuilding international security partnerships.
Senior Director for Counterterrorism Dr. Sebastian Gorka described Sharifullah as “a tier-one, high-value target that the Biden administration just simply didn’t want to bring to justice because it was an embarrassment and pointed to their own catastrophic administration’s failures.”
Gorka revealed that capturing Jafar was a top priority, stating, “At the top of the list on my whiteboard, I had U.S. hostages and Jafar.” And he followed through.
9/ TRUMP: ‘TOP TERRORIST’ BEHIND ABBEY GATE BOMBING CAPTURED
"He is on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice." pic.twitter.com/YVSEdYJ8TB
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 5, 2025
The Terrorist’s Trail of Violence
Sharifullah’s terrorist activities extended far beyond the Abbey Gate bombing, with intelligence linking him to a 2024 concert venue attack in Russia. The ISIS-K operative was also connected to a 2016 bombing targeting U.S. Embassy personnel in Kabul, establishing a long history of coordinating attacks against American interests and civilians.
The terrorist’s role in the Abbey Gate attack involved critical surveillance operations and planning assistance that enabled the devastating suicide bombing during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. Following his capture, Sharifullah was swiftly extradited to the United States where he attended a hearing in Alexandria, Virginia, where a federal judge found probable cause for terrorism charges.
A Personal Mission for Justice
CIA Director John Ratcliffe received direct instructions from President Trump to make capturing the Abbey Gate terrorists a “massive priority” upon returning to office. The mission was particularly meaningful for intelligence analysts who had personal connections to those affected by the bombing, making the operation both a national security objective and a deeply personal pursuit of justice.
If convicted on terrorism charges, Sharifullah could face life imprisonment, providing some measure of justice for the families who lost loved ones in the attack. The successful operation stands as a testament to the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting American interests and holding terrorists accountable, regardless of how much time has passed.
The capture was part of a larger CIA operation that has been described as a “personal manhunt” for those responsible for American casualties.
When Trump says he’ll get you, he means it.
