Peshawar (Web Desk/ Agencies): Khalil Rahman Haqqani, a key figure within the Taliban and the acting minister for refugees in their interim government, has been killed in a bombing in Kabul.
His death comes as a significant blow to the Haqqani network, a powerful faction within the Taliban with a legacy of militancy dating back to the 1980s. Haqqani was a prominent member of this network, which the US has long held responsible for some of the most deadly and devastating attacks throughout the Afghan conflict.
His leadership role within the Taliban after their return to power in 2021 made him an essential part of the ruling government's structure.
This loss is felt deeply within the network, which is already grappling with internal rivalries, particularly between more pragmatic and conservative factions within the Taliban.
Despite efforts to present a unified front, the Haqqanis have often clashed with other groups seeking to influence the Taliban’s direction.
His nephew, Anas Haqqani, confirmed the death, honouring Khalil as a "brave Mujahid" in line with the Taliban's traditional reverence for martyrs.
Though details of the attack remain unclear, the Taliban's security struggles persist, with rival groups, including Daesh, continuing to target high-profile individuals within the movement.
Khalil Haqqani had been a designated terrorist by the US since 2011, and his killing underscores the ongoing volatility in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban's claim of restored security after the 2021 withdrawal of US forces.
