The US has dropped its rewards for tips leading to the capture of several top Taliban leaders, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, a top figure in the Haqqani network. This move comes as the Taliban says it’s a result of diplomatic efforts.
Recently, US officials met with the Taliban in Kabul to discuss the release of an American tourist who’s been held since 2022. The US State Department spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that there are no longer rewards for information on Sirajuddin Haqqani, his brother Abdul Aziz Haqqani, and his brother-in-law Yahya Haqqani. However, they’re still considered specially designated global terrorists.
The Haqqani network is part of the Taliban and has been linked to several attacks in Afghanistan, including on the US and Indian embassies and NATO forces. The US had a $10 million reward for Sirajuddin Haqqani, but it’s no longer listed on the FBI’s website.
The Taliban’s interior ministry spokesperson, Abdul Matin Kani, says the removal of the rewards is a positive step and a sign of a new interaction with the world, especially the US. US representatives want to build more trust between the two sides.
Background on the Haqqani Network
The Haqqani network is a powerful faction within the Taliban. It’s known for its brutal attacks and has been a major target for the US and its allies. The network has been involved in many high-profile attacks, including a 2008 bombing of the Indian embassy in Kabul.
Key Players
- Sirajuddin Haqqani: A top leader in the Haqqani network and the Taliban’s interior minister.
- Abdul Aziz Haqqani: Sirajuddin’s brother and a senior figure in the Haqqani network.
- Yahya Haqqani: Sirajuddin’s brother-in-law and a key figure in the Haqqani network.
The removal of the rewards comes as the US tries to navigate its relationship with the Taliban, which returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021 after the US withdrawal. The US wants to build trust with the Taliban, but it’s a complex and delicate process.