Virginia Jury Convicts Afghan Man of Conspiracy in 2021 Kabul Airport Bombing Case

A federal jury in Alexandria, Virginia, convicted Mohammad Sharifullah on Wednesday of conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS-K, the Islamic State group's regional affiliate, in connection with the 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul airport. The attack, which occurred on August 26, 2021, during the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, killed approximately 160 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members near the airport's Abbey Gate.

Prosecutors alleged that Sharifullah played a key role in planning the bombing and was involved in other ISIS-K attacks, including a March 2024 assault at a Moscow concert hall. Defense attorney Lauren Rosen argued that the government's case relied primarily on Sharifullah's statements to the FBI, which she said were made under duress after his detention in Pakistan. Rosen maintained that there was no direct evidence linking Sharifullah to the bombing beyond his own words.

The jury deliberated for about eight hours over two days. While jurors unanimously convicted Sharifullah of conspiracy, they could not agree on whether any deaths resulted directly from his actions, a finding that could have led to a life sentence. As a result, Sharifullah faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga has not yet scheduled a sentencing date.

A review by U.S. Central Command identified Abdul Rahman al-Logari as the suicide bomber, noting he had been released from prison by the Taliban. The investigation into the broader circumstances of the attack remains ongoing, according to officials.