Taliban Rift Widens as Key Leaders Stay Away from Afghanistan
The ongoing division between the Taliban’s Kandahari and Haqqani factions has intensified. The prolonged absence of Sirajuddin Haqqani, Abdul Ghani Baradar, and Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai from Afghanistan highlights the severity of this internal conflict. While Baradar has returned, Haqqani and Stanikzai remain in the UAE.
The Taliban’s leadership split revolves around Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and his restrictive governance. His Kandahari faction consists of hardline clerics who enforce strict policies, especially against women’s rights. In contrast, the Haqqani Network, led by Sirajuddin and his allies, favors a more pragmatic approach. Their opposition to Akhundzada’s edicts has led to an escalating power struggle.
Leaders Flee Amid Fear for Their Lives
Stanikzai was the first to leave. On January 18, he openly criticized Akhundzada’s policies at a religious seminary in Khost. He condemned the suppression of women’s rights, calling it unjust and un-Islamic. In an unprecedented statement, he warned against blindly following Akhundzada, suggesting that any leader straying from true Islamic teachings should not be obeyed. This direct challenge stripped Akhundzada of religious legitimacy.
In response, Akhundzada ordered Stanikzai’s arrest and imposed a travel ban. However, with the help of Defense Minister Mohammad Yakoob, Stanikzai escaped to the UAE.
Sirajuddin Haqqani also left Afghanistan soon after, traveling to Saudi Arabia and later settling in the UAE. Like Stanikzai, he opposed Akhundzada’s restrictions. More critically, Haqqani has been locked in a power struggle with the supreme leader. Akhundzada has systematically reduced Haqqani’s influence, appointing loyalists to key positions and taking full control over weapons distribution.
Haqqani’s Power Erodes in Kabul
Sirajuddin Haqqani, despite leading the powerful Interior Ministry, has seen his authority decline. Afghanistan’s internal security is largely controlled by the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), led by Kandahari loyalist Abdul Haq Wasiq. The GDI, rather than Haqqani’s ministry, has handled crackdowns on opposition forces.
In November, Akhundzada further stripped the Interior and Defense Ministries of their power to distribute weapons. Shortly after, Sirajuddin delivered a speech criticizing the public’s disillusionment with religious leaders, an indirect attack on Akhundzada. Days later, Sirajuddin’s uncle, Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, was assassinated. Although ISIS-K claimed responsibility, many believe it was a factional hit job orchestrated by the Kandaharis. The killing sent a clear warning: dissent would not be tolerated.
With Haqqani losing ground, Akhundzada tightened his grip on Kabul. Key locations, including Bala Hissar Fort and Kabul International Airport, which were once guarded by Haqqani Network fighters, are now controlled by Kandahari loyalists.
What’s Next in the Taliban Power Struggle?
Despite his setbacks, Sirajuddin Haqqani remains a formidable figure. He is an experienced military strategist with deep ties to Pakistan’s intelligence services. While Akhundzada lacks his military expertise, he commands unwavering loyalty from his followers, who see obeying him as a religious duty.
Currently, Akhundzada holds the upper hand in this battle. However, Sirajuddin’s future moves, especially his dealings in the UAE, could determine the next phase of the Taliban’s internal conflict. If Haqqani secures strong external backing, the power struggle could take a new turn.
For now, the Taliban remains deeply divided, and this rift shows no signs of healing.
