Khalil Rahman Haqqani, a senior leader of the Haqqani Network and Afghanistan's acting Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, was killed in a bombing inside a mosque in Kabul on Wednesday. The attack, which also claimed six other lives, occurred as Haqqani was leaving the mosque after afternoon prayers, according to his nephew, Anas Haqqani.

The Taliban blamed the Islamic State (IS) militant group for the bombing, which comes amid increasing internal tensions within the Taliban's leadership. "We lost a very brave Mujahid," said Anas Haqqani. "We will never forget his sacrifice."

A Figure of Influence and Controversy

Khalil Haqqani, uncle of Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, was a prominent figure in the Taliban regime and had been managing Afghanistan’s refugee crisis. He previously oversaw security in Kabul following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

Listed on the United Nations Sanctions List

Khalil Haqqani carried a $5 million bounty from the U.S. due to alleged involvement in terrorist activities. His death has heightened concerns over divisions within the Taliban.

Rising Internal Frictions

The bombing follows public criticism of Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada by Sirajuddin Haqqani just three days prior. Sirajuddin’s remarks at a public gathering highlighted dissatisfaction with Akhundzada’s leadership. Analysts suggest the assassination could signal escalating tensions between the Haqqani faction and Kandahari leaders loyal to Akhundzada. One expert noted, "This appears to be a warning shot from Hibatullah to Sirajuddin Haqqani and the Kabul faction, signalling that dissent will not be tolerated."

A Legacy of Violence and Division

The Haqqani Network, a powerful faction within the Taliban, has played a pivotal role in militant operations over the years. However, friction between the network and other Taliban factions has persisted, with disputes over leadership and governance strategies. Haqqani’s death is the latest in a series of high-profile attacks in Afghanistan.

Urban areas have continued to face violence, including a 2022 bombing near the Interior Ministry and a 2023 attack on the Taliban-controlled foreign ministry, both attributed to the Islamic State.

Global and Political Implications

Haqqani’s assassination highlights the fragile state of the Taliban’s internal cohesion and the growing threat posed by the Islamic State in Afghanistan. It also underscores the challenges facing the Taliban in maintaining stability and governance amid internal power struggles and external pressures. This incident is likely to deepen divisions within the Taliban regime, potentially impacting Afghanistan's already precarious political landscape.