In a major strike against the Taliban’s Leadership, Khalil Haqqani, the Taliban’s refugee minister, was killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul on Monday. The incident marks the most high-profile assassination of a Taliban official since the group returned to power in 2021. The attack also claimed the lives of at least two others and highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan.
Who Was Khalil Haqqani and How Will His Death Impact the Haqqani Network?
Khalil Haqqani was a senior member of the powerful Haqqani network. Haqqani is a faction within the Taliban known for its influence and military capabilities. He was the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s acting interior minister, who leads the Haqqani network. The United States had designated Khalil Haqqani a global terrorist, and he played a key role in the Taliban’s operations and governance.
Earlier on the day of the bombing, Khalil Haqqani was seen in an official meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. His stature within the Taliban made his death a significant blow to the group’s leadership structure.
How Did the ISKP’s Attack on the Khalil Haqqani Happen?
The bombing occurred inside the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation. Reports indicate that a suicide bomber, associated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), set off explosives as Haqqani was leaving his office. Interior ministry sources confirm that six others were killed in the explosion.
ISKP, the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State group, later claimed responsibility for the attack through its propaganda channel, Amaq. The group has been a major rival to the Taliban, often targeting officials, security forces, and civilians in recent years.
Will the Killing of Khalil Haqqani Threaten Taliban Unity and Authority?
The killing of Khalil Haqqani poses a significant challenge to the Taliban’s authority. Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute, described the attack as the “biggest blow” to the Taliban since their return to power. It raises serious questions about the Taliban’s ability to ensure security in the country.
Moreover, the incident occurred at a sensitive time, just days after Sirajuddin Haqqani publicly criticized Taliban leadership for authoritarian decision-making. While speculation about internal conflicts may arise, experts such as Ibraheem Bahiss from Crisis Group believe that the Taliban is likely to maintain unity to avoid eroding their grip on power.
How Serious is the Ongoing Threat from ISKP in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan?
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, bombings and suicide attacks have decreased compared to the previous two decades. However, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) continues to pose a serious threat. The group has carried out several high-profile attacks, often targeting minority Shiite Muslims and Taliban officials.
In September, an ISKP suicide bomber in Kabul killed at least six people and injured 13 others. These incidents highlight the fragile security situation under Taliban rule and the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups.
What Impact Will Regional Condemnation Have on the Taliban?
Reactions to the attack have drawn condemnation from neighboring Pakistan. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar labeled the bombing a “terrorist attack” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance against terrorism in all forms. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Haqqani’s nephew, Anas Haqqani, also paid respect to Khalil Haqqani.
How Can the Taliban Maintain Stability Amid Rising ISKP Threats?
The Taliban are expected to respond with increased security measures and possibly crackdowns on suspected ISKP operatives. Analysts indicate that the attack could further bolster the Haqqani network’s influence within the Taliban, as support grows for Sirajuddin Haqqani.
The bombing highlights Afghanistan’s challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability. As the Taliban strive to consolidate their control, the threat from groups like ISKP continues to undermine their authority and security claims.
Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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