ISIS Affiliate Claims Responsibility for Suicide Bombing That Killed Taliban Minister
The Islamic State-Khorasan Province, responsible for killing 182 people, including 13 U.S. armed forces personnel in August 2021, has claimed responsibility.
An ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for a suicide bomber attack that killed a Taliban minister and two others.
Khalil Haqqani, the minister for refugees and repatriation, was killed in Kabul, inside the ministry’s building after attending a meeting chaired by the deputy prime minister, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
ISKP stated that a suicide bomber waited for Haqqani to leave his office before detonating his device.
Khorasan refers to a region that includes Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, northeastern Iran, and southern Turkmenistan.
Tight security measures were in place for Haqqani’s funeral in Paktia province.
Afghan writer Zhmana Hakimi mentioned that Haqqani faced consequences for his actions.
ISKP has conducted numerous bombings in Afghanistan, often targeting Shiite Muslim minorities.
Pakistan’s foreign minister condemned the killing and rejected terrorism in all forms.
Russia moved towards recognizing the Taliban government by removing it from its list of banned terrorist organizations.
Michael Kugelman highlighted how Haqqani’s death contradicted the Taliban’s peace narrative.
Recent criticism from Sirajuddin Haqqani towards Taliban leader Akhundzada was noted, especially regarding controversial edicts.
The Taliban aims to maintain their power but faces internal disagreements.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
