Washington, D.C.: United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for assisting in the capture of a key terrorist responsible for the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, marking a significant moment in his administration's evolving security cooperation with Islamabad.

Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Trump highlighted the arrest as a major victory against terrorism, emphasizing justice for the 13 American service members and nearly 170 Afghan civilians who lost their lives in the deadly attack.

"Three and a half years ago, a [Daesh] terrorist killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing," Trump stated. "Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice."

Pakistan’s Role in the Arrest

Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s crucial role in capturing the suspect, marking a notable shift in U.S.-Pakistan relations.

"I want to especially thank the Pakistani government for helping arrest this monster," he said, adding that it was a "very huge day" for the families affected by the attack.

Trump, who has previously met with some of the victims' families, expressed deep sympathy:
"This was a very momentous day for those 13 families, whom I actually got to know very well, whose children were murdered. What a horrible day," he added.

The Kabul airport bombing occurred during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, carried out by an ISIS-K (Daesh) suicide bomber. The attack intensified scrutiny over the Biden administration’s handling of the exit strategy and raised concerns about security gaps in the region.

Trump Administration’s Strategic Security Shift with Pakistan

Trump’s public appreciation of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism cooperation comes amid a broader recalibration of U.S. security ties with Islamabad. Recently, his administration approved a $397 million funding package for the maintenance of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet.

Why is this funding significant?

• The package is strictly for counter-terrorism operations under U.S. supervision.
• It aims to prevent misuse against India, a key U.S. strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
• It marks a departure from Trump’s earlier hardline stance on foreign aid to Pakistan.

In his first term, Trump froze foreign assistance to Pakistan, citing its alleged support for militant groups. However, in recent years, his administration has approved $5.3 billion in security-related funding, including this latest allocation.

Geopolitical Implications: A Shift in U.S.-Pakistan Relations?

Trump’s remarks signal a potential warming of ties between Washington and Islamabad, despite past tensions. The decision to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation comes as the U.S. seeks regional stability, particularly in the aftermath of its withdrawal from Afghanistan.

While the funding decision may face criticism from India, the U.S. maintains that all military aid to Pakistan is closely monitored to ensure compliance with counter-terrorism objectives.

As Trump moves forward with his security agenda, his administration’s engagement with Pakistan will remain a key focal point in shaping America’s South Asian strategy.