Confession of ISIS-K Member Reveals Chilling Links to Abbey Gate Bombing and Moscow Attack

Confession of ISIS-K Member Reveals Chilling Links to Abbey Gate Bombing and Moscow Attack

The member of ISIS-K, described by President Donald Trump as the leading suspect in the devastating 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan, has confessed to scouting the attack route and training perpetrators involved in a separate terrorist attack near Moscow last year. This alarming information comes from an affidavit released by the Justice Department.

Muhammed Sharifullah, who faces multiple charges, including providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization leading to death, is anticipated to make his initial federal court appearance in Virginia. If convicted, Sharifullah could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

On Wednesday morning, the Justice Department disclosed images showcasing FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard at an airport awaiting Sharifullah’s arrival in the United States.

During a joint session of Congress, President Trump announced the apprehension of Sharifullah, expressing satisfaction at capturing the individual responsible for the attack that resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members in August 2021.

Amid the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in the summer of 2021, American and coalition forces undertook a crucial evacuation operation at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport.

Abbey Gate Attack Details

Abbey Gate served as the primary entry point for this operation, with thousands of civilians gathered in the area. On August 26, 2021, at approximately 5:36 p.m., Abdul Rahman al-Logari, an ISIS-K member, detonated a body-worn suicide bomb at Abbey Gate, resulting in the deaths of 13 U.S. military personnel and approximately 160 civilians, according to the affidavit from the Justice Department.

The evacuation process concluded shortly thereafter, leading to the Taliban reclaiming control over Afghanistan.

Revelations of a Prison Interview

The affidavit revealed that FBI Special Agents interviewed Sharifullah near the start of this week. He disclosed that he had been imprisoned in Afghanistan from 2019 until just weeks before the Abbey Gate attack.

Upon his release, an ISIS-K member reached out to him to solicit his assistance for an upcoming attack. According to Sharifullah’s statements, he received a motorcycle, funds for a cell phone, and instructions to create an account on a specific social media platform for communication during the attack.

Moreover, the affidavit stated that Sharifullah was tasked with surveying a route close to Hamid Karzai International Airport to facilitate an attack. He conducted reconnaissance to check for police and military checkpoints.

After assessing the situation, Sharifullah communicated to fellow ISIS-K members that he believed the route was secure and the attacker could proceed undetected. Later that day, he learned of the horrific attack at HKIA and recognized the alleged bomber as an ISIS-K operative he had known during his imprisonment.

Connections to the Moscow Attack

The affidavit further indicated that Sharifullah provided training for gunmen involved in a terrorist assault at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, Russia, in March 2024, which tragically claimed the lives of approximately 130 individuals.

In an interview with FBI agents following the incident, Sharifullah admitted to receiving instructions from a senior ISIS-K leader on how to effectively use AK-style rifles and other weaponry for the attackers in Moscow. Additionally, he shared video-based training materials with the assailants.

Subsequent to the attack, Russian authorities apprehended four individuals connected with the assault, two of whom Sharifullah recognized from the group he had trained.

Emotional Reactions and Statements from Officials

National security advisor Michael Waltz shared on Fox & Friends that the family members of the Abbey Gate victims expressed strong emotions when informed about Sharifullah’s capture. Waltz recounted Trump’s assurance to these families that they would ensure justice would prevail.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that under President Trump’s decisive leadership, the Justice Department is committed to denying terrorist organizations like ISIS-K any safe haven. She declared that these terrorists would face severe consequences in U.S. courts.

Moreover, FBI Director Kash Patel reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to remembering the sacrifices of the U.S. service members lost at Abbey Gate, vowing to persist in the pursuit of justice against those who committed such heinous acts.

Fox News’ Emma Colton contributed to this report.