Taliban Minister Khalil Haqqani Assassinated in Kabul Bombing
Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, a key Taliban leader and Afghanistan&rsquo;s minister for refugees, was killed in a suicide bombing at the Ministry of Refugees headquarters in Kabul on Wednesday. The attack, which also claimed the lives of at least four of his associates, marks the most significant assassination of a Taliban official since the group regained power in August 2021.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed Haqqani's death and blamed the regional Islamic State affiliate, ISIS-K, for orchestrating the attack. The assailant reportedly disguised themselves as a physically disabled visitor and detonated an explosive device as Haqqani left his office to attend prayers, according to officials from the Taliban-run Ministry of Interior.
Haqqani was one of the most influential members of the Taliban regime and the first Cabinet minister to be assassinated since their return to power. Known for his leadership in the Haqqani network&mdash;a militant faction responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan&mdash;he held a pivotal role in the Taliban&rsquo;s internal structure. His assassination delivers a major blow to the Taliban and its affiliated Haqqani network, already grappling with rivalries and persistent threats.
The Haqqani network, designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., has long been a cornerstone of Taliban operations. The U.S. government had offered a $5 million bounty for Khalil Haqqani's capture, citing his leadership role in the Haqqani network. Known for his military prowess and fierce loyalty, Haqqani was a key figure in the Taliban's Cabinet and one of the first commanders to enter Kabul following the collapse of the Western-backed Afghan government in August 2021.
Khalil Haqqani, a brother of the network&rsquo;s late founder Jalaluddin Haqqani and uncle to current Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, was instrumental in the Taliban's rapid takeover of Kabul in 2021.
Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the killing as a &ldquo;terrorist attack&rdquo; and reaffirmed Pakistan's opposition to terrorism in all forms. &ldquo;We are in touch with Kabul to obtain further details,&rdquo; Dar stated.
Although violence has generally decreased since the Taliban&rsquo;s takeover, ISIS-K has consistently targeted Taliban officials and civilians in an effort to destabilize their rule. The group has been blamed for several high-profile attacks, including a September suicide bombing in Kabul that killed six people and injured 13.
Khalil Haqqani&rsquo;s death underscores the growing internal and external threats faced by the Taliban regime as it struggles to maintain control over Afghanistan. The assassination not only highlights the enduring power struggle with ISIS-K but also raises concerns over the Taliban&rsquo;s ability to ensure the security of its top leadership.
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Afghanistan’s minister for refugees Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani

Prominent Taliban minister, Khalil Haqqani, dies in Kabul blast; ISIS-K blamed for attack

Khalil Haqqani Killed in Kabul Suicide Bombing

Prominent Taliban minister, Khalil Haqqani, dies in Kabul blast; ISIS-K blamed for attack

December 11, 2024 | 21:21 IST