In a significant development in Afghanistan’s turbulent political landscape, an explosion in Kabul has resulted in the death of Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and repatriation, along with at least six other individuals. This attack was confirmed by the Taliban spokesman on X, a widely used social media platform.
The explosion took place within the ministry building at a particularly vulnerable time, as Haqqani was reportedly exiting the premises after concluding afternoon prayers. The details of the incident were provided by Anas Haqqani, a member of the Haqqani network and nephew to the deceased minister, as reported by Middle East Monitor.
The Taliban’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, attributed the attack to the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), a rival militant faction operating in Afghanistan. Despite this accusation, no group has immediately claimed responsibility. Mujahid described the attack as cowardly and asserted that it would not shake the Taliban’s governance or determination to succeed. Khalil Rahman Haqqani’s death is particularly impactful as it marks the first time a cabinet member has been killed since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
Khalil Rahman Haqqani was a prominent figure in the Haqqani network, known for orchestrating violent attacks against US and Afghan forces throughout the extended conflict that followed the US-led 2001 invasion. The network holds a notorious reputation and has been designated a terrorist organization in several jurisdictions, including the United States. Notably, Khalil Rahman Haqqani had engaged with former Afghan leaders to aid in refugee repatriation efforts during his tenure.
The Taliban, which ascended in 1994, is largely composed of Pashtun fundamentalists and first claimed power in Afghanistan in 1996. Their governance, predicated on the enactment of strict Sharia law, was interrupted in 2001 following combined international military efforts. This latest assassination occurs against a backdrop of rising oppression and severe restrictions imposed on Afghan women and girls since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021. Recently, UN experts condemned a new Taliban directive, barring female students from receiving medical training, reflecting the ongoing crisis in gender rights under Taliban rule.
For a full account of the incident, please visit the original report by JURIST.