Trump reveals arrest of 2021 Kabul bombing suspect, thanks Pakistan
What's the story
In a congressional address on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, a suspected planner of the 2021 Abbey Gate attack in Kabul.
The attack killed 13 US soldiers and around 170 Afghan citizens.
Sharifullah, a leader in an ISIS branch operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan, will be extradited to the US, where he will "face the Swift sword of American justice," Trump said.
Political remarks
Trump praises Pakistan, criticizes Biden administration
President Trump thanked Pakistan for its part in capturing Sharifullah, whom he called a "monster."
He also seized the opportunity to slam the Biden administration for its "disastrous and incompetent" handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Trump called the day "momentous" for the families of the 13 American victims and said they were "very happy, as happy as you can be under those circumstances."
Extradition confirmation
FBI director confirms extradition of Kabul attack suspect
Newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Sharifullah's extradition on the social media platform X.
Patel noted the joint efforts of the FBI, DOJ, and CIA in successfully extraditing one of the terrorists responsible for the Abbey Gate attack.
"One step closer to justice for these American heroes and their families. Thank you to our incredible partners and brave FBI personnel who made this happen. You represented your country brilliantly," he wrote.
Aid
Trump administration authorizes $397 million for Pakistan
In a significant policy move, the Trump administration last week allocated $397 million to Pakistan to sustain its F-16 fighter jet fleet.
According to Reuters, the monies will be tightly allotted for counter-terrorism activities under a US-monitored mechanism to prevent them from being used against India.
The move was part of a release of $5.3 billion in previously blocked foreign aid, primarily for security and counternarcotics programs.