"Tonight, I am pleased to report that we have captured the top terrorist responsible for this atrocity," Mr. Trump told Congress. "And he is now on his way here to face the sword of American justice."

The suspect was identified as Muhammed Sharifullah. Mr Trump also thanked the Pakistani government for its assistance in the capture. "This is a very important day for 13 families, people I have come to know very well," he said.

The Abbey Gate bombing occurred amid the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. As a result, 13 US soldiers, including 11 Marines, a medic and a sailor, were killed while defending Kabul airport.

In addition, more than 170 Afghan civilians were also injured. The withdrawal left hundreds of American citizens and tens of thousands of Afghan allies under Taliban control.

In his speech, Mr Trump stressed that he had spoken to the families of the soldiers who died. "I spoke to them on the phone... They were all crying tears of joy. They were so happy. As happy as they could be under the circumstances."

The Abbey Gate bombing became a major point of criticism for the Biden administration, with many conservative critics, including Senator Ted Cruz, arguing that the way the US withdrew from Afghanistan set the stage for the subsequent Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Families of fallen soldiers have repeatedly criticized President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. In 2024, during Harris's presidential run, they launched a campaign against her, claiming that "the government killed my son" and that they "received no support from the government."

Hoai Phuong (according to Fox News, NYP)