The United States has lifted a $10m reward for information leading to the arrest of Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani. The FBI still lists the reward, citing Haqqani’s involvement in cross-border attacks against US and coalition forces in Afghanistan. This decision comes days after the Taliban released US citizen George Glezmann, who had been held captive for two years. Glezmann’s release is the third of its kind since January, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it a positive step.
The Taliban’s release of US detainees is seen as part of their global “normalisation” effort, as they remain an international pariah following their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Despite this, several countries continue to operate diplomatic facilities in the country. The Taliban’s rise to power came as a result of the US withdrawal negotiated by former President Donald Trump in 2020.
Haqqani, the son of a renowned commander, was the head of the Haqqani Network, a designated terror group known for its use of suicide bombers and high-profile attacks in Kabul. The network is also accused of assassinating officials and holding kidnapped Western citizens for ransom. Haqqani was recently targeted in a US drone strike that killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul. US officials believe that Haqqani was residing in the same residence where the strike took place.
The removal of the bounty for Haqqani’s capture indicates a shift in US policy towards the Taliban. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact US-Taliban relations moving forward.
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