U.S. Offers $10M Reward for Information on ISIS-K Leader

The U.S. on Monday offered a $10 million reward for information regarding the location of ISIS-K leader Sanaullah Ghafari, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

ISIS-K "remains a resilient enemy despite taking significant losses from U.S. and NATO forces in previous years," top State Department officials told reporters during a virtual briefing organized by Washington Foreign Press Center.

The terrorist group is "largely concentrated in eastern Afghanistan and has demonstrated a capability to conduct lethal attacks throughout the country, including in major population centers." Christopher Landberg, acting principal deputy coordinator for counterterrorism, said. "We are committed to addressing this continued threat using every counterterrorism avenue available"

Ghafari, also known as Shahab al-Muhajir, was appointed to lead ISIS-K in June 2020, according to the State Department.

"In that role, Ghafari is responsible for approving all ISIS-K operations throughout Afghanistan and arranging funding to conduct operations," Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith said.

The State Department labeled Ghafari a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in November.

Washington also offers another reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of those responsible for the August 26, 2021 terrorist attack at Kabul’s international airport.

On August 26th, 2021, terrorists launched a suicide bombing against the airport as the U.S. and other governments conducted a large-scale evacuation of their citizens and vulnerable Afghans from the country.

The attack killed at least 185 people, including 13 U.S. service members who were supporting evacuation operations. More than 150 people, including 18 U.S. service members, were wounded.  ISIS-K claimed responsibility for that attack.

"We have more information about these reward offers on the Rewards for Justice Twitter channel and website. We encourage anyone with information on Sanaullah Ghafari or those responsible for the attack on the Kabul International Airport to text Rewards for Justice via Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp at 1-202-702-7843." Assistant Secretary Smith said.

"Individuals may also contact the Rewards for Justice office via our Tor-based tips-reporting channel. That contact information is available on our Twitter channels and website.  All information submitted to Rewards for Justice will be kept strictly confidential."

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.