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Taliban Minister Killed in Suicide Bombing
On Wednesday, Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, Minister of Refugees in Afghanistan’s Taliban government, was killed in a suicide attack at the ministry’s headquarters in Kabul. The blast also killed at least four of his associates.
The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, blamed the country’s ISIS branch for the attack. The assailant reportedly disguised himself as a visitor with a disability before targeting Haqqani with an explosive device.
Haqqani’s Significance
Haqqani was the brother of the founder of the notorious Haqqani network, a group linked to violent attacks during the Taliban’s previous insurgency. He was also the uncle of the current Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani.
Haqqani’s presence in Kabul and his habit of carrying a rifle to meetings highlighted his influence within the Taliban. His death is a major blow to the group, especially the Haqqani network.
Ongoing Violence
While violence has generally decreased in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power, the ISIS branch remains active. Their attacks target both Taliban officials and civilians. The Taliban and ISIS are locked in an internal power struggle, and ISIS’s actions aim to undermine the Taliban’s rule.