US Jury Convicts ISIS Member In Kabul Airport Attack Case

A federal jury in Virginia has found an ISIS member guilty of providing logistical support in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, one of the deadliest attacks during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The defendant, identified as Sharifullah, faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

According to the Associated Press, Sharifullah denied the charges during his week-long trial. Jurors, however, concluded that he had supported the operation, though they could not agree on whether he was directly responsible for the deaths, a factor that could have led to a life sentence.

The suicide bombing took place on August 26, 2021, near Abbey Gate at Kabul's airport, where thousands were gathered during evacuation efforts. The attack killed around 160 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members, underscoring the chaotic and dangerous conditions at the time.

The Kabul airport attack occurred during the final phase of the U.S. military withdrawal after two decades of war, as Taliban forces regained control of the country. The evacuation operation involved tens of thousands of people seeking to leave amid widespread uncertainty and fear.

ISIS-K, the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group, claimed responsibility for the bombing and has since remained a persistent security threat in Afghanistan. The group has carried out multiple high-profile attacks targeting civilians, foreign interests, and rival factions.

Defense lawyers argued that prosecutors relied heavily on statements made by Sharifullah during FBI interrogations, claiming there was limited independent evidence linking him to the attack. They also suggested he may have spoken under pressure, fearing mistreatment before his transfer to U.S. custody.

Prosecutors maintained that Sharifullah played a key role in planning the attack and had links to other ISIS-K operations. They referenced broader intelligence findings, including connections between the defendant and individuals involved in militant activities.

Sentencing is expected in the coming weeks, as the case highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to pursue accountability for major attacks linked to extremist groups operating in Afghanistan.

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