United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for its assistance in capturing a key terrorist linked to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing.

“Three and a half years ago, a [Daesh] terrorist killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing,” Trump said during his address to a joint session of Congress. “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.”

The attack, which occurred during the chaotic withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in August 2021, claimed the lives of 13 American service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians.

Trump thanks Pakistan

Following the announcement of the suspect’s arrest, Trump specifically acknowledged Pakistan’s role in the operation. “I want to especially thank the Pakistani government for helping arrest this monster,” he said, calling it “a very huge day for the affected families.”

“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.

In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has authorized $397 million for Pakistan to maintain its F-16 fighter jet fleet. According to a Reuters report, the funds will be strictly allocated for counter-terrorism operations under a U.S.-monitored program to ensure they are not used against India.

This decision comes despite Trump’s previous freeze on foreign aid upon taking office on January 20. While an executive order halted overseas funding, the US has granted approximately $5.3 billion in security-related exemptions, with Pakistan’s allocation being one of 243 exceptions.

Trump’s stance on security aid to Pakistan has fluctuated over the years. During his first term in 2018, he cut military assistance, citing insufficient counter-terrorism efforts. The Biden administration later restored support, approving $450 million in September 2022 to sustain Pakistan’s F-16 fleet.

Trump criticised India

Furthermore, Trump criticised India for imposing high tariffs on American goods, announcing that the United States will impose reciprocal tariffs starting April 2.  

“India and others charge the US huge tariffs. On April 2, reciprocal tariffs will kick in,” Trump declared.