A suicide bombing in Kabul on Wednesday resulted in the death of Khalil Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, marking one of the most significant attacks on the Taliban’s leadership since their return to power in 2021. The explosion, which occurred inside the ministry building, also claimed the lives of two of Haqqani’s associates and left several others injured.
Haqqani, a prominent figure in the Taliban hierarchy and uncle to Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting Interior Minister and leader of the powerful Haqqani Network, was attending official duties at the time of the attack. His last public appearance was at a meeting earlier the same day chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
Claims of Responsibility
The Islamic State (ISIS) affiliate in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the bombing. In a statement, the group detailed that their operative infiltrated the ministry’s security, patiently waiting for Haqqani to exit the building before detonating his suicide vest. The blast also killed several members of Haqqani’s entourage.
Taliban’s Response
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, described Haqqani’s death as a “great loss,” calling him a “tireless holy warrior” devoted to defending Islam. Security forces cordoned off the blast site, barring media from capturing the aftermath.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Haqqani’s nephew, Anas Haqqani, paid tributes to the late minister. However, analysts suggest this incident could deepen divisions within the Taliban leadership.
Regional and Global Reactions
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the incident as a terrorist act, reiterating Pakistan’s stance against all forms of terrorism. The attack has raised concerns about escalating security challenges in Afghanistan, where such bombings have become rarer since the Taliban seized power.
Security Challenges in Afghanistan
Despite a decline in large-scale attacks post-2021, ISIS has continued to target high-profile figures and minorities, particularly Shiite Muslims. The Taliban’s claims of ensuring national security face growing scrutiny as incidents like these highlight vulnerabilities within their governance.
The assassination of Khalil Haqqani, a significant figure within the Taliban’s inner circle, signals potential shifts in Afghanistan’s political and security dynamics. With ISIS intensifying its campaign and internal divisions within the Taliban possibly widening, the country’s stability hangs in a precarious balance.