Trump Announces Capture of Alleged Mastermind Behind Abbey Gate Attack
During his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced the apprehension of Muhammed Sharifullah, identified as the top terrorist suspect behind the devastating 2021 Abbey Gate attack in the Afghan capital of Kabul that resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members, Fox News reports.
“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity,” Trump declared. “And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice.”
Trump also expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for their assistance in the arrest.
“And I want to thank, especially, the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” he said.
The Abbey Gate attack occurred during the chaotic withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in August 2021. The suicide bombing killed 11 Marines, one Navy corpsman, and one sailor, along with at least 170 Afghan civilians, as the US military struggled to evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies amidst the Taliban’s rapid takeover of the country.
The withdrawal process itself has been a source of ongoing controversy and criticism, particularly from conservative voices.
Trump addressed the families of the fallen service members:
“I spoke to many of the parents and loved ones, and they’re all in our hearts tonight. I spoke to them on the phone. We had a big call. Every one of them called. And everybody was on the line and they did nothing but cry with happiness. They were very happy. As happy as you can be under those circumstances. Their child, brother, sister, son, daughter was killed for no reason whatsoever.”
Families who lost loved ones in the attack have previously criticized the Biden administration, including a scathing attack against then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris in 2024, accusing the administration of failing to provide adequate support and accountability for the deaths.
Trump concluded his remarks on the subject by saying:
“What a horrible day.”
