The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reportedly removed the $10 million bounty on Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting Interior Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The move has sparked discussion about a possible shift in diplomatic relations between Kabul and Washington.
A spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate described the development as a “positive signal” of improving foreign relations with the international community. However, despite these reports, Haqqani’s name remains listed on the FBI’s official wanted list, suggesting that the removal of the bounty may be only partial or not yet formally finalized.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Islamic Emirate’s spokesperson, commented:
“We witnessed some progress a few days ago when some elders and allies were removed from the reward list. This is progress that will continue in the future. These developments have regional and global impacts and present the Islamic Emirate as a responsible entity.”
This diplomatic shift coincides with the first official U.S. delegation visit to Afghanistan in over three years, during which American citizen George Glezman was released by the Islamic Emirate—another sign of potential thawing relations.
Analysts interpret these developments as indicative of behind-the-scenes negotiations and evolving political dynamics.
Zalmai AfghanYar, a political analyst, noted:
“In political agreements, interests are always at the center of discussion. When the FBI and Americans remove the bounty, I hope that confrontations will also end, and relations with Afghanistan will be built around the preservation of national interests.”
Anas Haqqani, a senior figure in the Islamic Emirate, also welcomed the move in a recent interview with Al Jazeera, calling the decision a “political achievement” for Afghanistan’s interim government.
As diplomatic interactions slowly re-emerge, observers are closely watching to see whether this marks the beginning of broader U.S.-Afghan engagement.
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