Taliban Minister Khalil Haqqani Killed in Kabul Blast

Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban's acting minister for refugees and a senior leader of the Haqqani network, was killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul on December 11, marking the highest-profile casualty for the Taliban since their return to power in 2021. The attack, which also claimed the lives of at least four others, occurred at the Ministry of Refugees as Haqqani was leaving for prayers. While a Taliban spokesperson blamed the Islamic State (IS) for the attack, IS has yet to claim responsibility. This incident reflects ongoing violence in Afghanistan, particularly targeting Taliban officials, and poses a significant challenge to the group's claims of restored security. Analysts suggest that Haqqani's death could exacerbate internal tensions within the Taliban but may also solidify support for the Haqqani network. The incident has drawn condemnation from neighboring Pakistan and highlights the precarious situation in Afghanistan as attacks continue amidst claims of a stable regime.