December 11th 2024.
In a shocking turn of events, a suicide bombing in the Afghan capital, Kabul, claimed the lives of the Taliban refugee minister, Khalil Haqqani, and two others on Wednesday. This attack marks the most daring strike on a member of the Taliban's inner circle since their takeover of power three years ago.
According to officials, the explosion occurred inside the ministry, where Haqqani was present. His last official photo captured him attending a meeting chaired by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy prime minister, earlier that day. Haqqani, who was the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting interior minister and leader of a powerful network within the Taliban, was a prominent figure in the Taliban's government.
This tragedy is a major loss for the Taliban and the first instance of a Cabinet member being killed since their return to power. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, the government's chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, expressed his condolences on social media and praised Haqqani as a dedicated warrior for Islam.
Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Centre's South Asia Institute, believes that Haqqani's death is a significant blow to the Taliban due to his influence and position within the organization. He also points out that this incident comes at a critical time when the Taliban are trying to establish themselves as a legitimate governing body, promising to bring peace after years of conflict.
The news of Haqqani's assassination has sent shockwaves throughout the region, with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemning it as a "terrorist attack." He reiterated Pakistan's stance against all forms of terrorism and assured that the government was in contact with Kabul to gather more information.
While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, it is suspected that the Islamic State group, a fierce rival of the Taliban, may be behind it. This group has carried out previous attacks in Afghanistan and was responsible for a suicide bombing in September that killed six people and injured 13 others.
In recent months, the frequency of suicide attacks has decreased since the Taliban took control of the country and foreign troops withdrew. However, these attacks have primarily targeted minority Shiite Muslims, particularly in the capital. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that the threat of terrorism still looms over Afghanistan, and efforts must be made to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
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