An explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Wednesday resulted in the death of Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and repatriation, and at least six others, the Taliban Spokesman confirmed on X.
The explosion occurred within the ministry building as Haqqani was reportedly leaving after afternoon prayers, according to Haqqani’s nephew Anas Haqqani.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid attributed the attack to the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), a rival militant group active in Afghanistan, although no group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. Mujahid condemned the act as cowardly and emphasized that it would not undermine the Taliban’s governance or resolve. Haqqani’s death is particularly notable as he is the first cabinet member to be killed since the Taliban’s return to power.
Khalil Rahman Haqqani was a prominent figure within the Haqqani network, known for its historical role in orchestrating violent attacks against US and Afghan forces during the two-decade conflict following the US-led invasion in 2001. The Haqqani network has been involved in numerous high-profile attacks and is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the US. Khalil Rahman Haqqani has previously engaged with former Afghan leaders to facilitate refugee repatriation efforts.
The Taliban emerged in 1994 as a predominantly Pashtun, Islamic fundamentalist group in Afghanistan. They gained control of Afghanistan in 1996 and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, enforcing strict Sharia law. Known for their ultraconservative ideology, they were ousted from power in 2001 by a US-led coalition but regained control in 2021.
Since Taliban leaders regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, a series of sweeping restrictions have been imposed on women and girls, severely limiting women and girls’ education, employment, and access to public spaces. UN experts issued a strong rebuke on Monday against a new Taliban policy banning female students from medical training.
