Afghan Nationals Involved In Deadly TTP Attack On Bannu Military Base

Expressing gratitude to Donald Trump, Sharif emphasised Islamabad’s continued cooperation with Washington in combating terrorism and maintaining regional security.

On Wednesday, 5 March, in his first address at a joint session of the U.S. Congress, former President Donald Trump announced that, in collaboration with Pakistan, the mastermind of the deadly Kabul Airport attack had been captured. The incident, which claimed the lives of 13 American soldiers and over 170 Afghan citizens, has now led to the suspect’s extradition to the United States for trial.

In a note posted on X, Sharif stated: “We thank US President Donald Trump for acknowledging and appreciating Pakistan’s role and support in counter-terrorism efforts across the region, in the context of Pakistan Security Forces’ recent apprehension of ISKP’s top-tier operational commander Shareefullah, an Afghan national.”

Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the threat of terrorism, adding, “We will continue to partner closely with the United States in securing regional peace and stability.”

The Associated Press, citing the White House, has identified the senior ISIS-K member as Mohammad Sharifullah. Similarly, Axios, quoting U.S. sources, reported that the individual, also known as “Jafar”, was responsible for planning and coordinating the attack at Abbey Gate – the entrance to Kabul Airport. Axios further noted that Sharifullah is expected to arrive in the United States on Wednesday, where his court hearing will be held publicly.

The organisation’s representative in Afghanistan emphasised that the UN stands in solidarity with Afghan women, continually supporting their rights and inclusion.

In a video message, Stephanie Loose, UN-Habitat’s representative, stated: “We stand in solidarity with Afghan women and girls, reaffirming our commitment to their rights, inclusion, and empowerment.”

Loose highlighted the UN’s efforts to improve living conditions across both urban and rural areas in Afghanistan. She pointed to several programmes implemented by UN-Habitat, noting that a better home, a safer neighbourhood, and improved access to essential services—such as water, education, and health—have a profound impact on the lives of Afghan women and girls.

This commitment comes amid growing concerns over the deteriorating situation for women and girls in Afghanistan, who continue to face systemic discrimination that has worsened over time. Earlier, a group of Afghan women protesters in Pakistan criticised the ongoing conditions and demanded that the voices of women and girls be heard.

Images from the clash show both sides targeting one another’s positions. Reports indicate that Taliban forces have destroyed a Pakistani military outpost, further escalating tensions in the region. Videos circulating on social media reveal Taliban forces employing heavy artillery to attack Pakistani military posts.

Following the closure of the Torkham border crossing on 22 February, clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani soldiers have recurred, with both sides utilising heavy weaponry. A spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Interior confirmed that one of their fighters was killed and two others injured during the recent clashes.

The Torkham crossing has now been closed for 13 consecutive days, with reports stating that thousands of trucks carrying goods and fresh produce are stranded on both sides of the border. Despite several rounds of talks between officials from both sides aimed at ending the fighting and reopening Torkham, negotiations have so far been unsuccessful.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the centre would serve as a key platform for coordinating international efforts in the region.

According to the statement released on Tuesday, 5 March, the UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution approving the establishment of the centre, with the consensus of 152 countries.

The Kazakh presidency described the resolution’s adoption as a major achievement in the country’s foreign policy.

President Tokayev also expressed gratitude to all the nations that supported the resolution’s approval.

In a statement, Shamshad confirmed that Hedayat Shah Hedayat, a Shamshad TV reporter, along with two other local journalists, sustained injuries from mortar fire launched by Pakistani forces.

Local Taliban officials in Nangarhar confirmed the injuries and stated that among the wounded were a Pajhwok News Agency reporter and a Radio Hurriyat journalist.

Taliban authorities further reported that the injured journalists had been transferred to a hospital for treatment.

On Wednesday, Taliban and Pakistani forces clashed once again at Torkham. Footage circulating on social media shows both sides exchanging heavy fire, targeting each other’s positions.

As of now, no official details have been released regarding potential casualties from the clashes.

Sources told Afghanistan International that the conflict at Torkham is still ongoing, with tensions remaining high at the strategic border crossing.