US Lifts Bounties on Taliban Leader Sirajuddin Haqqani and Two Others

Move Signals Possible Shift in Afghanistan-US Relations

KARACHI, March 17, 2025 – In a significant policy shift, the United States has lifted a $10 million reward placed on Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interim interior minister of Afghanistan, along with two other high-ranking members of the Haqqani network, Abdul Aziz Haqqani and Yahya Haqqani. This decision marks a notable development in the complex relationship between the US and the Taliban, with Afghan officials viewing it as a potential step toward breaking global isolation.

Who is Sirajuddin Haqqani?

Sirajuddin Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani network, was one of the most wanted figures by the FBI for his alleged role in major attacks against US and coalition forces in Afghanistan. His group, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, played a key role in several high-profile assaults, including the 2008 Serena Hotel attack in Kabul, which claimed the lives of six people, including US citizen Thor David Hesla.

Despite his reputation as a shadowy figure, Haqqani has grown in influence since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Initially maintaining a low profile, he gradually became more visible, making his first public appearance in March 2022. His father, Jalaluddin Haqqani, was a prominent Mujahideen leader who later joined the Taliban and served in their previous government.

US Still Lists Haqqani on FBI Website

While the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice website has removed Haqqani’s bounty, the FBI website still lists a $10 million reward for his arrest, stating that he is “believed to have coordinated and participated in cross-border attacks against US and coalition forces in Afghanistan.”

Afghan Government Welcomes the Decision

According to Afghan interior ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani, the US government revoked bounties on three Haqqani network members, describing them as “two brothers and one paternal cousin.” The Taliban have long insisted that there is no separate Haqqani faction, claiming that it is fully integrated within their government structure.

Afghan officials have hailed this move as an opportunity to normalize diplomatic relations with the international community. Shafi Azam, an Afghan official, called the decision “the beginning of normalization,” while also citing the Taliban’s claim that they had taken control of Afghanistan’s embassy in Norway.

US-Taliban Relations: A New Chapter?

The removal of the bounties comes just days after the Taliban secured the release of an American citizen, George Glezmann, who had been detained in Afghanistan for over two years. Glezmann, a Delta Airlines mechanic from Atlanta, was held by the Taliban after entering Kabul as a tourist in 2022. His release followed direct negotiations between US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Taliban officials in Kabul.

Afghan foreign ministry official Zakir Jalaly pointed to the lifting of bounties and the US prisoner release as constructive diplomatic steps:

“These recent developments show that both sides are moving beyond the wartime phase and are taking practical measures to improve relations.”

While the US has not officially recognized the Taliban government, these actions suggest a shift in strategy, possibly aimed at engaging the Taliban more pragmatically rather than continuing with complete diplomatic isolation.

The Haqqani Legacy and Its Role in the Taliban Government

Sirajuddin Haqqani has remained a controversial figure, with Western intelligence agencies linking his network to high-profile bombings and military operations. His uncle, Khalil Rahman Haqqani, who was the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees, was killed in a December 2024 explosion in Kabul, highlighting the ongoing security challenges within Afghanistan.

Despite his past militant activities, Haqqani has sought to portray himself as a key policymaker within the Taliban administration, hosting foreign delegations and managing Afghanistan’s internal security. The Taliban leadership views the removal of bounties as a recognition of their legitimacy, while international analysts remain skeptical of the group’s long-term intentions.

Global Reactions and Future Implications

The US decision to remove Haqqani’s bounty has sparked mixed reactions:

• Taliban Supporters: See it as a breakthrough step toward global acceptance.

• Human Rights Groups: Warn that engaging with Taliban leaders accused of war crimes could set a dangerous precedent.

• US Security Officials: Have yet to clarify whether this move signifies a larger policy shift or is a one-time concession aimed at securing US interests in Afghanistan.

With Afghanistan facing economic hardship, security instability, and ongoing international sanctions, the lifting of these bounties could be an initial step toward broader diplomatic discussions between the US and the Taliban. However, it remains unclear whether this will lead to formal recognition of the Taliban government or if it is simply a temporary strategic maneuver.