Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Afghan Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and a senior leader of the Haqqani network, was killed in a bombing in Kabul on Wednesday. The explosion, which occurred as Haqqani was leaving a mosque following afternoon prayers, also claimed the lives of six others.
The Taliban spokesperson attributed the attack to the Islamic State (ISIS), although the group has not yet claimed responsibility.
Haqqani played a significant role in the Taliban’s interim government, established after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan in 2021. In 2011, the U.S. State Department designated him as a “global terrorist” and offered a $5 million reward for his arrest.
His nephew, Anas Haqqani, mourned the loss, describing him as a “brave Mujahid” whose sacrifice would not be forgotten.
In response, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the attack and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism.
This incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by ISIS in Afghanistan and highlights the volatile security situation in the region.
4o
