Taliban Minister Khalil Haqqani Martyred; Had $5M U.S. Bounty

Kabul, Afghanistan – Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban government’s Minister for Refugee Affairs, was martyred in a tragic suicide attack on Wednesday at the ministry building in Kabul. While the number of casualties remains unclear, reports indicate that several individuals lost their lives alongside Haqqani in this devastating incident.

The ISIS group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The ISIS-affiliated Amaq news agency reported that the suicide bomber targeted the Taliban government minister as he was leaving his office, activating the explosives strapped to his body. A spokesperson for the Taliban confirmed the tragic loss of Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, as reported by Reuters.

No other details have been disclosed by the Taliban government. However, the attack adds to the growing number of high-profile incidents targeting Taliban officials since their return to power in 2021. Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, expressed sorrow over Haqqani’s martyrdom, calling it a significant loss for Afghanistan.

Khalil-Ur-Rahman Haqqani: A Pillar of Resistance and Leadership

Born in 1966 in the Gardez district of Paktia province, Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani was a prominent figure in Afghanistan’s struggle for freedom. He played a vital role in the country’s political and social landscape, contributing to the welfare of Afghan refugees and citizens. As the uncle of Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and the brother of Jalaluddin Haqqani, the founder of the Haqqani faction, his family was instrumental in shaping Afghanistan’s path to independence.

Khalil Haqqani’s efforts were part of a broader movement aimed at liberating Afghanistan from foreign intervention. During the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s, he stood alongside his brother Jalaluddin Haqqani in resisting Soviet forces. This era marked a turning point in Afghanistan’s history, as freedom fighters like Haqqani worked tirelessly to restore the sovereignty of their homeland.

In August 2021, when the Taliban returned to power, Haqqani was entrusted with the Ministry of Refugee Affairs. He worked tirelessly to address the challenges faced by displaced Afghans, overseeing efforts to repatriate refugees and secure international assistance for their rehabilitation. His dedication to serving the people of Afghanistan earned him respect and admiration across the nation.

A Legacy of Resilience

Khalil Haqqani’s life reflected the determination of Afghanistan’s freedom fighters to preserve the nation’s independence and dignity. His contributions to the Haqqani family’s legacy were rooted in a shared vision of a free and united Afghanistan. The Haqqani Network, named after his elder brother Jalaluddin, emerged as a critical force during Afghanistan’s resistance movements, focusing on protecting Afghan interests against foreign dominance.

Despite facing international challenges and sanctions, Khalil Haqqani remained steadfast in his commitment to Afghanistan’s well-being. His leadership as Minister for Refugee Affairs was marked by efforts to address the challenges of returning refugees, particularly in the face of campaigns by neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran to send Afghan refugees back to their homeland.

Freedom Fighters, Not Villains

Afghanistan’s history is filled with stories of resilience against foreign occupation, and Khalil Haqqani’s journey is one such story. Like many of his contemporaries, he was part of a movement to safeguard the sovereignty of Afghanistan, first against the Soviet Union and later in opposition to NATO and U.S. forces. While some have labeled his family’s efforts controversially, in Afghanistan, they are remembered as freedom fighters who stood for the nation’s independence.

During the Soviet invasion in 1979, the Haqqani family became a symbol of Afghan resistance. They led efforts to reclaim Afghanistan’s sovereignty and ensure its future as an independent nation. Khalil Haqqani’s contributions were deeply rooted in these principles, reflecting the values of courage and sacrifice.

The Tragic Loss

Khalil Haqqani’s martyrdom marks the third high-profile attack on Taliban officials since the group regained power. Previous incidents include the assassination of Balkh Governor Mohammad Dawood Muzamil in March 2023 and a blast within the Taliban Interior Ministry compound in October 2022. Despite these challenges, the Taliban leadership remains committed to restoring stability and serving the Afghan people.

The loss of Khalil Haqqani is a blow to Afghanistan’s ongoing journey toward progress and self-reliance. As the nation mourns his passing, his legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of Afghan freedom fighters.