A federal jury in Virginia on Wednesday sentenced Mohammad Sharifullah, 28, to 20 years in prison for providing material support to ISIS-K, the Islamic State’s Afghanistan affiliate, in connection with the Aug. 26, 2021, suicide bombing at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport. The attack occurred during the U.S. military’s evacuation from Afghanistan, killing 13 American service members and approximately 160 Afghans.
The sentencing follows Sharifullah’s April conviction on a single count of international terrorism, though jurors failed to reach a unanimous decision on whether his actions directly contributed to the bombing. Prosecutors alleged Sharifullah scouted routes to the airport as part of ISIS-K’s planning, but the jury’s inability to agree on causation prevented a potential life sentence.
Key Developments:
- Sharifullah received the maximum 20-year sentence for his conviction, which did not require proof of direct involvement in the bombing itself.
- Victim impact statements were presented in court, with family members of the slain service members addressing Sharifullah directly. U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga described Sharifullah as a “dedicated terrorist” who showed no remorse for the attack’s devastation.
- Sharifullah was captured in early 2025 by Pakistani intelligence and the CIA near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border before being extradited to the U.S. He did not testify during his trial.
Background and Context
The Abbey Gate bombing marked one of the deadliest incidents of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, occurring as American and allied forces processed evacuees at the airport. ISIS-K claimed responsibility, and the attack intensified scrutiny over the Biden administration’s handling of the evacuation amid the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Kabul.
Prosecutors argued Sharifullah’s role in scouting airport routes constituted material support under U.S. anti-terrorism laws. However, the jury’s deadlock on the bombing’s direct connection to his actions underscored legal and evidentiary complexities in prosecuting terrorism cases where operational roles are indirect.
Legal and Political Reactions
The case drew attention from political leaders, including former President Donald Trump, who referenced Sharifullah’s conviction during a 2024 joint session of Congress. The sentencing reflects the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to hold ISIS-K affiliates accountable for attacks targeting American personnel and allies.
Victim Families’ Statements
Family members of the slain service members delivered emotional testimony, describing the lasting trauma inflicted by the bombing. One parent, Mark Schmitz of Missouri, addressed Sharifullah in court, emphasizing the personal toll of the attack. The judge cited these statements in imposing the sentence, noting the “unfathomable” grief suffered by victims’ families.
Broader Implications
The case highlights challenges in prosecuting terrorism-related crimes where evidence of direct involvement is difficult to establish. It also raises questions about the U.S. government’s capacity to track and apprehend ISIS-K operatives across international borders, as Sharifullah’s capture and extradition occurred years after the attack.
The sentencing does not resolve broader debates over accountability for the 2021 withdrawal or the long-term threat posed by ISIS-K in Afghanistan. The group remains active in the region, though its operational capacity has been significantly degraded by U.S. and allied counterterrorism efforts.