US Court rules 42-year sentence for Haji Najibullah in terror and kidnapping case

A United States federal court in New York has sentenced former Taliban commander Haji Najibullah to 42 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in the kidnapping of an American journalist and Afghan civilians, along with orchestrating deadly attacks on US troops.

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, concluded a years-long legal process tied to events that occurred in Afghanistan and Pakistan between 2007 and 2009. Prosecutors said Najibullah played a central leadership role in coordinating Taliban operations that targeted US servicemembers, resulting in the deaths of multiple American soldiers.

Court documents revealed that Najibullah pleaded guilty on April 25, 2025, to charges of hostage-taking and providing material support for terrorism that led to loss of life. The case included the abduction of an American journalist and two Afghan nationals, which authorities described as part of a broader campaign of violence and intimidation.

During sentencing, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a strong statement, saying those responsible for attacks on American citizens and forces “will be hunted down and brought to justice, no matter how long it takes.” He added that the sentence reflects accountability for “brutal terrorist attacks and savage hostage-taking.”

Prosecutors detailed how Najibullah allegedly led militant fighters in coordinated strikes against US and allied forces during the height of the conflict in Afghanistan. The court also heard evidence linking him to strategic planning of attacks that intensified instability in the region.

Defense arguments were not widely detailed in the court summary, but the sentencing judge emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, calling them “calculated acts of terror with lasting human cost.”

The verdict has been described by US officials as part of ongoing efforts to pursue justice in long-running terrorism cases linked to the Afghanistan war era. Families of victims, including military personnel and civilians, are expected to view the ruling as a measure of closure after nearly two decades of legal pursuit.

The case underscores Washington’s continued stance that individuals involved in cross-border hostage-taking and insurgent violence will face prosecution regardless of time elapsed, marking another major conviction in post-war counterterrorism litigation.