The Taliban leadership in Afghanistan has for the first time released a picture that fully reveals the face of Sirajuddin Haqqani, a prominent Taliban leader and Afghan Interior Minister. Taliban spokesman Sabihullah Mujahid tweeted a picture of Haqqani attending a national police graduation ceremony.
The Taliban leadership released pictures of him receiving a salute and walking with a police officer. Sirajuddin Haqqani arrived at the ceremony wearing a black turban and a shawl over it. Despite being part of the Taliban government in Afghanistan last year, Haqqani’s pictures were not shared by the leadership.
Haqqani’s half-covered face, which was included in the UN terror list, has been widely reported so far.
The U.S. had declared the Haqqani network a terrorist organization and Sirajuddin Haqqani a fugitive in connection with the 2008 Kabul hotel bombings. He is also said to have masterminded several attacks on Indians in Afghanistan.
Criticism is mounting that the Taliban’s new move is part of an effort to gain international recognition for Sirajuddin Haqqani.
Story Highlights: Taliban have released the first picture of an Afghan minister