Taliban Minister Killed in Kabul Bombing: Haqqani Family

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Taliban’s acting minister Khalil Rahman Haqqani was killed in a mosque bombing in Kabul.
2. Khalil Haqqani was a senior member of the Haqqani Network and uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani.
3. The Taliban blamed the Islamic State group for the killing of “Taliban minister.”
4. Haqqani’s death raises concerns of escalating internal disputes within the Taliban.
5. Sirajuddin Haqqani had recently criticized the Taliban’s supreme leader.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Taliban Minister Killed in Kabul Bombing

Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s acting Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, was killed in a bombing inside a mosque in Kabul on Wednesday. He was a senior member of the influential Haqqani Network. He was also the uncle of the Taliban’s Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani. Khalil Haqqani had been actively managing Afghanistan’s refugee crisis. The death of the “Taliban minister” is a major setback for the organization.

Islamic State Blamed for the Attack

The Taliban spokesperson has attributed the responsibility for Khalil Haqqani’s killing to the Islamic State militant group. Haqqani’s nephew, Anas Haqqani, stated, “We lost a very brave Mujahid. We will never forget him and his sacrifice.” A powerful explosion occurred in the mosque premises, resulting in the death of Khalil Haqqani and six others. The bombing happened as Khalil Haqqani was exiting the mosque after afternoon prayers. This incident has further amplified the precarious security situation in Kabul.

Rising Internal Tensions Within the Taliban

The assassination of Khalil Haqqani has heightened anxieties concerning escalating internal tensions within the Taliban’s leadership. The killing took place just three days after Sirajuddin Haqqani openly criticized the leadership style of the Taliban’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. At a recent public gathering, Sirajuddin stated, “You should not think that just because I am in power, everyone must accept my words.” This criticism indicated underlying issues with Hibatullah’s governance.

Khalil Haqqani’s Background

Khalil Haqqani was previously listed on the United Nations Sanctions List. The United States had placed a USD 5 million bounty on him due to his alleged involvement in terrorist activities. Following the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Afghanistan, he was given the responsibility of overseeing Kabul’s security before assuming his ministerial role. The history of this “Taliban minister” makes the event even more noteworthy.

Power Struggles Within Taliban

The Haqqani Network, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, has wielded significant influence within the Taliban’s hierarchy. However, there has been a rising friction between the Haqqani faction and Kandahari leaders who remain loyal to Hibatullah Akhundzada. Analysts suggest that the assassination of Khalil Haqqani could signify an escalation of hostilities within the group. One expert observed, “This appears to be a warning shot from Hibatullah to Sirajuddin Haqqani and the Kabul faction, signalling that dissent will not be tolerated.”

Global and Political Repercussions

The death of Khalil Haqqani signifies a critical development in the Taliban’s internal power dynamics. Given Afghanistan’s already fragile political stability under the Taliban, this incident is expected to exacerbate the divisions within the regime. The assassination could have far-reaching implications for Afghanistan and the broader region.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

The “Taliban minister”, Khalil Rahman Haqqani, was killed in a bombing in Kabul, further fueling internal tensions. This incident is also seen as part of an ongoing power struggle between the Haqqani and Kandahari factions.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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