The United States has officially lifted its $10 million reward offer for information leading to the capture of Sirajuddin Haqqani, a prominent leader of the Taliban, as confirmed by an Afghan interior ministry spokesperson on Saturday. Haqqani, a key figure within the Taliban leadership, has long been a target of international efforts due to his involvement in orchestrating attacks against U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Despite the U.S. decision to withdraw the reward, the FBI’s website still prominently lists the offer, maintaining its position that Haqqani is “believed to have coordinated and participated in cross-border attacks against United States and coalition forces in Afghanistan.” This discrepancy between the U.S. State Department’s actions and the FBI’s listing has raised questions about the timing and reasons behind the reward’s removal, especially as Haqqani remains a significant figure in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the decision to rescind the reward, leaving the reasons behind the move unclear. Haqqani, who has been deeply involved in the Taliban’s military and political strategies, has been a figure of contention for both Afghan authorities and the international community due to his role in facilitating violence and instability across Afghanistan.
The lifting of the reward offer may signal a shift in U.S. policy or strategy regarding the Taliban leadership, particularly as the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. This development marks a significant moment in the complex relationship between the U.S. and Afghanistan, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the ongoing efforts to address security and governance in the region.
