A suicide bomber disguised as a disabled visitor detonated explosives near Afghanistan’s Taliban Minister for Refugees, Khalil Rahman Haqqani, while he was leaving his office for prayers.
Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the attack and Haqqani’s death.
The attack claimed Haqqani’s life, along with at least four other senior officials. The bombing marks the most significant Taliban leadership loss since the group’s return to power in 2021.
ISIS-K, the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State, claimed responsibility for the attack, indicating an ongoing security challenge under Taliban rule.
Haqqani was a senior leader of the Haqqani network, a militant faction linked to significant attacks during Afghanistan’s 20-year war.
He was also the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s current Interior Minister. The U.S. designated him a global terrorist in 2011, placing a $5 million bounty on his head.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his condolences and condemned the bombing, stating, “Pakistan unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
The Haqqani network, notorious for high-profile attacks, has often clashed with ISIS-K. The incident follows the March 2024 assassination of Daud Muzmal, the Taliban-appointed governor of Balkh province, in a similar bombing. These attacks raise concerns over ISIS-K’s persistent threat despite reduced overall violence since the Taliban’s takeover.
