Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the acting Taliban Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, was killed in a bombing inside a mosque in Kabul on Wednesday, his nephew confirmed. Haqqani, a senior figure in the influential Haqqani Network and uncle to the Taliban’s Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, had been overseeing Afghanistan’s refugee crisis.
The Taliban spokesperson accused the Islamic State militant group of orchestrating the attack. “We have lost a very brave Mujahid,” Anas Haqqani, his nephew, told Reuters. “His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The powerful explosion, which struck as Khalil Haqqani was leaving the mosque after afternoon prayers, claimed his life along with six others.
ESCALATING INTERNAL TENSIONS
This assassination has intensified concerns over growing divisions within the Taliban. It occurred just days after Sirajuddin Haqqani publicly criticized the Taliban’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. At a recent gathering, Sirajuddin remarked, “Power does not mean everyone must blindly accept my words; dissent does not equate to disaster,” indirectly challenging Hibatullah’s leadership.
Khalil Haqqani, previously sanctioned by the United Nations and carrying a $5 million U.S. bounty for alleged terrorist activities, initially oversaw Kabul’s security following the Taliban’s 2021 return to power before taking on ministerial duties.
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POWER STRUGGLES WITHIN THE TALIBAN
The Haqqani Network, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, is a dominant faction within the Taliban. However, tensions have been mounting between the Haqqanis and Kandahari leaders aligned with Hibatullah Akhundzada. Analysts suggest Khalil Haqqani’s killing could signify escalating hostilities.
One expert noted, “This seems to be a clear message from Hibatullah to Sirajuddin Haqqani and the Kabul faction that dissent will not be tolerated.”
IMPLICATIONS
Khalil Haqqani’s death underscores deepening rifts within the Taliban leadership. As Afghanistan grapples with instability under Taliban rule, this incident is likely to further strain the regime’s internal cohesion and weaken its grip on power.
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