Pakistan Hand Over Alleged ISIS-K Commander to the US, Presented in Virginia Court

Pakistan has transferred alleged ISIS-Khorasan commander Muhammad Sharifullah to US authorities following his arrest at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He was presented in a Virginia federal court, where he faces terrorism-related charges.

Sharifullah, accused of masterminding the August 2021 Kabul Airport attack that killed 13 US soldiers and civilians, was apprehended by Pakistani security forces based on CIA intelligence. After legal formalities, he was extradited to the US, arriving on Wednesday morning.

The court ordered his continued detention, with an initial hearing set for March 10. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment. US President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its cooperation in capturing the suspect.

Sharifullah, identified as a senior ISIS-K operational commander, joined the group in 2016. He was previously arrested but escaped from an Afghan prison in 2019. Following the Kabul attack, he remained in hiding, frequently changing locations.

Pakistan has intensified operations against ISIS-K, particularly in Khyber, Bajaur, Kurram, and Peshawar, leading to the arrests of several high-ranking militants. His extradition underscores ongoing counterterrorism collaboration between Pakistan and the US.