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State Department thanks Pakistan after extradition of suspect in Abbey Gate attack; refers reporters to DOJ for case details
Summary
Tammy Bruce said the U.S. extends gratitude to Pakistan for arresting and extraditing Mohammed Sharifullah, a suspect in the Abbey Gate attack that killed 13 U.S. service members; she deferred questions about prosecution to the Department of Justice.
Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, announced that Mohammed Sharifullah was detained in Pakistan and extradited to the United States in connection with the Abbey Gate terrorist attack that killed 13 U.S. service members.
Bruce said the arrest illustrated ongoing U.S.-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation and extended "our gratitude to the government of Pakistan" for the partnership that led to the suspect's capture. She directed reporters seeking additional information about criminal charges or court proceedings to the Department of Justice.
Reporters asked whether the administration had officially thanked Pakistan at the government level; Bruce confirmed that the U.S. extended gratitude and described counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan as "vitally important." She did not provide details on indictment, charges or the timing of any court appearances.
Why it matters: the arrest and extradition of a suspect in a high-profile attack affects bilateral security cooperation and has implications for criminal prosecution and victims' families. The State Department’s public acknowledgment signals diplomatic recognition of Pakistan’s role in the operation.
Bruce concluded that questions about the legal case should be directed to the Department of Justice rather than the Secretary’s press office.
