The Taliban’s refugee minister, Khalil Haqqani, has been killed in a suicide bombing carried out by ISIS in Kabul.
The attack took place on Wednesday inside the Ministry of Refugees compound, where Haqqani was reportedly signing official documents.
A suicide bomber disguised as a visitor detonated explosives, killing Haqqani and six others.
Taliban spokespersons described the event as a “cowardly attack” and blamed ISIS for the violence.
In a statement, the Taliban called ISIS a “deceitful faction” that falsely claims to represent Islam while labeling other Muslims as infidels.
So far, ISIS has not officially claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Khalil Haqqani was a significant figure within the Taliban regime and a member of the notorious Haqqani network.
The Haqqani network is a powerful division of the Taliban known for orchestrating major attacks during the long Afghan war.
Haqqani was the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister and leader of the Haqqani network.
News of Khalil Haqqani’s death was met with grief by Taliban officials.
“We lost a very brave Mujahid,” his nephew, Anas Haqqani, said. “We will never forget him and his sacrifice.”
This is the most high-profile killing in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
The attack highlights ongoing instability in the country, even under Taliban rule.
In 2011, the United States designated Khalil Haqqani as a global terrorist.
The U.S. offered a reward of $5 million for information leading to him, and he was placed on the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions list.
This attack further exposes the strained relationship between the Taliban and ISIS.
ISIS has consistently carried out attacks in Afghanistan, undermining Taliban claims of control.
The Haqqani network itself is a controversial entity, known for its independent operations and occasional tensions with other Taliban factions.
Western analysts suggest these tensions stem from differing strategies within the Taliban.
Some leaders in Kabul reportedly seek engagement with the international community.
Meanwhile, hardliners in Kandahar reject outside influence, fearing it will alienate their local supporters.
Reports suggest Sirajuddin Haqqani has even approached Western nations for border training assistance, signaling a potential rift in Taliban leadership approaches.
Despite its reputation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, the Haqqani network remains a vital part of the Taliban’s power structure.
This assassination brings into question how the Taliban will handle future ISIS threats and internal divisions.
Afghanistan continues to face immense security challenges, even three years after the Taliban took over.
The death of Khalil Haqqani serves as a stark reminder of the volatility plaguing the region.
