A United States official said on Thursday that the country has a ‘common interest’ with Pakistan on fighting terrorism as exhibited by the arrest and extradition of ISKP terrorist Sharifullah.
Speaking at a routine press briefing on Thursday, State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said that Sharifullah was arrested in Pakistan and has now been extradited to the US for legal proceedings over involvement in the Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 US soldiers.
Bruce thanked the Pakistan government for helping to bring Sharifullah to face the law.
“And we extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, we do, for their partnership in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice,” she said.
She then added that Pakistan and the US have a common interest in fighting terrorism and the arrest was an indication of the important cooperation between the two countries.
“Regarding Pakistan and the nature of our relationship, we have a common interest, obviously, in fighting terrorism, and the arrest of this terrorist also illustrated that U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on counterterrorism remains vitally important,” she said.
US President Donald Trump had announced on Tuesday that ISKP terrorist Sharifullah, who was involved in the Kabul Airport bombing that killed 13 US soldiers and 170 Afghans was arrested in Pakistan and was in the process of extradition.
A day later, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed a photo of Sharifullah being brought to the US in handcuffs. He was presented in an East Virginia court where he is accused of conspiring and aiding an act of terror.
Sharifullah had reportedly scouted the route taken by the bomber. He was also involved in the Moscow Crocus City Hall attack in 2024.
US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz had called Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to thank him for Pakistan’s cooperation as well.