US Drops Bounties on 3 Taliban-Linked Haqqani Leaders
In a significant move, the United States has removed multi-million dollar bounties on three top Haqqani network leaders, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s Taliban interior minister. The decision comes as a surprise to many, given the Haqqani network’s history of violence and terrorist activities. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this development and explore its implications.
Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister and a key figure in the Haqqani network, was once a top target of the US government with a $10 million reward on his head. The US had accused him of being responsible for numerous attacks on American and coalition forces in Afghanistan. However, it appears that the US has decided to lift the bounty, effectively removing the financial incentive for anyone to capture or kill him.
Abdul Aziz Haqqani and Yahya Haqqani, Sirajuddin’s brother-in-law, were also included in the list of individuals whose bounties were removed. While the exact reasons behind this decision are not publicly known, it is likely that the US is trying to promote dialogue and reconciliation with the Taliban.
The Haqqani network has been a major thorn in the side of the US and Afghan governments for years. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians, including suicide bombings and roadside bombings. Its leaders have been known to take refuge in Pakistan, where they have received support from the country’s intelligence agencies.
The US had previously offered significant rewards for information leading to the capture or killing of top Haqqani leaders, including Sirajuddin Haqqani. The decision to lift these bounties may be seen as a sign of the US’s willingness to engage with the Taliban in a more constructive manner.
However, it is important to note that the three individuals whose bounties were removed are still designated as global terrorists by the US. This means that they will remain on the US’s sanctions list, and any assets they may have will be frozen.
The decision to lift the bounties on these individuals comes as the US is trying to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban. The US and the Taliban have been engaged in talks for months, with the goal of ending the conflict in Afghanistan.
In a statement, a US official said that the decision to lift the bounties was a “reflection of the US’s commitment to promoting a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.” The official added that the US remains committed to holding the Haqqani network accountable for its actions, and that the group’s leaders will continue to be targeted through other means.
The decision to lift the bounties has been met with skepticism by some, who see it as a sign of weakness on the part of the US. Others have expressed concern that the move may embolden the Haqqani network and lead to further violence.
As the US and the Taliban continue to negotiate a peace deal, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the conflict in Afghanistan. One thing is certain, however: the Haqqani network remains a major threat to stability and security in the region, and its leaders will need to be held accountable for their actions if peace is to be achieved.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/afghanistan-us-lifts-bounties-on-key-taliban-leaders/a-72053190
