Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Sirajuddin Haqqani, the notorious leader of the Haqqani Network responsible for countless deaths, including Americans, has been sighted touring the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Despite being a designated terrorist with a $10 million FBI bounty on his head, Haqqani’s recent travels have raised serious questions about international cooperation and counterterrorism efforts.
Haqqani’s presence in the UAE, where he met with its president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, and his subsequent visit to Mecca in Saudi Arabia have sparked outrage and concern among security analysts. Experts suggest that his pilgrimage to Mecca may be a strategic move to bolster his position within the Taliban government.
Furthermore, Haqqani’s ability to travel freely contradicts UN sanctions meant to restrict his movements. While the Biden administration remains silent on the matter, questions arise about whether Pakistan’s ISI, known to have ties with Haqqani, influenced his travels.
The sighting of Haqqani, a close ally of al Qaeda, in countries allied with the United States raises alarms about potential implications for global security. As the Biden administration faces scrutiny over its handling of the situation, concerns grow about the message this sends to Afghan combat veterans and the broader implications for counterterrorism efforts worldwide.
