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Karzai condemns attack on Khalil Haqqani
Former President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack that killed Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s minister of refugees, offering condolences to his family and associates in a statement issued on Thursday.
Karzai described Haqqani as a member of a "prominent jihadist family" and acknowledged his significant role in the "jihad" against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The bombing, which occurred at the Ministry of Refugees in Kabul, also claimed the lives of several Taliban members.
Taliban blame ‘Khawarij,’ their term for ISIS, for Khalil Haqqani’s death
Taliban have confirmed the death of Khalil Rahman Haqqani, their minister of refugees, in an explosion in Kabul, blaming the attack on "Khawarij," a term they use to refer to ISIS.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, the Taliban described the attack, which occurred in the courtyard of the Ministry of Refugees, as “cowardly” and called Haqqani’s death a “great loss” for the Taliban.
Taliban warn media to describe Khalil Haqqani’s death as ‘martyrdom’
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture has directed domestic media outlets to describe the death of Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s minister of refugees, as “martyrdom,” according to sources familiar with the matter.
The directive was reportedly issued following Haqqani’s death in an explosion at the Ministry of Refugees in Kabul on Wednesday.
Saeed Khosty, a former spokesperson for the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior, reinforced the directive on X, warning media outlets to comply by using the term “martyrdom” in their coverage.
Reports suggest that domestic media have adhered to the Taliban’s instructions, with publications and broadcasters using the prescribed terminology in their reporting.
This incident underscores the growing restrictions on freedom of expression and the increasing pressure on Afghanistan’s media under Taliban rule. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, journalists and media outlets have faced stringent controls, censorship, and threats.
Who was Khalil Rahman Haqqani?
KABUL, Afghanistan — Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s minister of refugees, was killed on Wednesday in an explosion at the Ministry of Refugees compound in Kabul.
Born in February 1966 in Paktia Province, eastern Afghanistan, Haqqani was a senior member of the Haqqani Network, a powerful faction within the Taliban. He was appointed minister of refugees in 2021 following the Taliban's return to power.
Haqqani was the brother of Jalaluddin Haqqani, the founder of the Haqqani Network, and the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister and the current leader of the network. His family has long played a central role in the Taliban's operations and strategy.
Operating primarily from North Waziristan and Peshawar, Pakistan, Haqqani was instrumental in securing funding and managing the financial operations of the Haqqani Network. He frequently traveled to Gulf countries to raise funds and maintained close ties with Afghan refugee communities in Pakistan, acting as a principal liaison.
Haqqani also coordinated with various militant groups, including al-Qaeda, strengthening the network's influence and operational capacity across the region.
In 2011, the U.S. Treasury Department designated Haqqani as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), citing his involvement in activities on behalf of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The U.S. government offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.
He was also sanctioned by the United Nations, further isolating him on the international stage.
Throughout his life, Haqqani was known for his armed presence and deep involvement in the Haqqani Network's activities. His death marks a significant moment for the Taliban’s leadership as they continue to face internal challenges and external scrutiny.
Taliban minister of refugees killed in Kabul explosion
Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s minister of refugees, was killed in an explosion at the Ministry of Refugees compound in Kabul on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the incident.
The blast also claimed the lives of three of Mr. Haqqani’s bodyguards, the sources said.
Details about the nature of the explosion and those responsible remain unclear, and the Taliban have not yet issued a statement on the incident.
Mr. Haqqani, an uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister, was appointed as acting minister of refugees following the group’s return to power in August 2021.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan despite the Taliban’s claims of improved stability.