In a sudden attack near a Kabul mosque Khalil Rahman Haqqani — the Talibanʼs acting minister for refugees died with six other people. The blast happened right after afternoon prayers (when the minister was leaving the building)
The Islamic State group is thought to be behind this attack; however they havent claimed it yet. Haqqani — who became minister after Talibanʼs win about 3 years ago — was known as a key figure in the Haqqani network: a group that US linked to many attacks during the war
We lost a very brave Mujahid. We will never forget him and his sacrifice
The US government marked Khalil Haqqani as a “global-terrorist“ around 13 years ago and put a $5-million reward for info leading to his capture. Ishaq Dar Pakistans foreign minister said he was shocked and his country doesnt support any terrorism
This attack follows other big hits in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan:
- A blast close to interior ministry killed 4 people about 2 years ago
- Islamic State attacked foreign ministry killing 5 people last year
- Several other security problems happened in urban areas since Taliban took power
The Taliban promised to make Afghanistan safe after getting power but attacks keep happening in cities. Khalil Haqqani who was in his 50s was part of Talibanʼs first government after foreign troops left the country