The Haqqani Network: Afghanistan’s Most Dreaded Terrorists

Acceptance:

Some of the top Taliban leaders are meeting in Kabul to discuss the formation of a new Afghan government, including a representative of the Haqqani network, the country’s most feared terrorists.

The Haqqanis have been blamed for some of the deadliest attacks in recent years, killing civilians, government officials and foreign forces.

Despite their reputation, they are expected to be powerful players in the new regime after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan last week.

Who are the Haqqanis?

The dark group was formed by Jalaluddin Haqqani, who rose to prominence in the 1980s as a hero of the anti-Soviet jihad. At the time, he was a valuable asset to the CIA as the United States and its allies such as Pakistan funneled weapons and money to the Mujahedin.

During this conflict and after the Soviet withdrawal, Jalaluddin Haqqani forged close ties with foreign jihadists, including Osama bin Laden.

He then allied with the Taliban who took control of Afghanistan in 1996, serving as minister of the Islamist regime until he was overthrown by US-led forces in 2001.

Jalaluddin Haqqani’s death after a long illness was announced by the Taliban in 2018, and his son Sirajuddin officially became the head of the network.

Thanks to its financial and military strength – and its reputation for ruthlessness – the Haqqani network is considered semi-autonomous while remaining in the bosom of the Taliban.

Mainly based in eastern Afghanistan – with bases believed to be across the border in northwest Pakistan – the group has become more visible in the Taliban leadership in recent years, and Sirajuddin Haqqani has was appointed deputy chef in 2015.

His younger brother Anas, once imprisoned and sentenced to death by the previous Afghan government, has spoken with former President Hamid Karzai and former Director General Abdullah Abdullah since the fall of Kabul last weekend.

Why are they so widely feared?

The Haqqani Network is blamed for some of the deadliest and most shocking attacks in Afghanistan in the past two decades.

They have been designated a foreign terrorist group by the United States and are also subject to United Nations sanctions.

The Haqqanis have a reputation for frequent use of suicide bombers – including drivers of cars and trucks filled with huge amounts of explosives – and have demonstrated their ability to carry out complex assaults resulting in numerous casualties on major targets, including military installations and embassies.

In October 2013, Afghan forces intercepted a Haqqani truck in eastern Afghanistan that contained nearly 28 tons (61,500 pounds) of explosives, according to the United States National Counterterrorism Center.

The Haqqanis have been accused of assassinations – including an attempt against then-President Karzai in 2008 – and kidnappings of Western officials and citizens, for ransom and forcing prisoner exchanges.

They have also long been suspected of having ties to the Pakistani military establishment – US Admiral Mike Mullen described them as a “real weapon” of Islamabad’s intelligence services in 2011.

Pakistan denies the allegation.

The Haqqanis have also made huge contributions to the ranks of Taliban fighters and are the group’s “most combat-ready forces”, UN observers said in a June report.

Observers also described the network as the “main link” between the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

What is their role in the new Taliban regime?

The Haqqanis have become serious players in the Taliban’s political project with at least two of their leaders in Kabul as talks begin on the formation of the next government.

Sirajuddin Haqqani’s official elevation to deputy chief six years ago cemented that role, analysts said.

And the release of his brother Anas from Afghan detention in 2019 was seen as a measure to help revive the direct US-Taliban talks that ultimately led to the withdrawal of the troops.

Sirajuddin Haqqani even wrote an op-ed in the New York Times last year, describing the Taliban’s position on the US talks and the conflict in Afghanistan – albeit in diplomatic tones that belies the network’s reputation for violence.

While Anas Haqqani spoke with Karzai, her uncle Khalil Haqqani was seen leading prayers in Kabul on Friday.

Sirajuddin and Khalil are still listed as Wanted by the United States, with millions of dollars in bounties on offer.

(Except for the title, this story was not edited by NDTV staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)