Abdulaziz Haqqani (Pashto: عبدالعزيز حقاني, romanized: Abd-ul-’Azīz Haqqānī, pronounced [(ʔ)abdulaˈziz haqˈqɑni]; born c. 1987 – c. 1989), also known as Aziz Haqqani (Pashto: عزيز حقاني),[1] is an Afghan senior member of the Haqqani network, one of the sons of its former leader Jalaluddin Haqqani, and deputy to his brother Sirajuddin Haqqani. While his brother operates as the overall leader of the network, Abdulaziz functions as his deputy and operational commander in charge of planning and undertaking all major attacks.[2][3]
Hafiz Abdulaziz Haqqani | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Native name | عبدالعزیز حقاني |
| Nickname(s) | Aziz Haqqani |
| Born | c. 1987 – c. 1989 |
| Allegiance | Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan |
| Service | Haqqani network |
| Alma mater | Darul Uloom Haqqania, Pakistan |
| Relations | Jalaluddin Haqqani (father) Khalil Haqqani (uncle) Sirajuddin Haqqani (brother) Anas Haqqani (brother) |
Life
editAbdulaziz Haqqani was born in Afghanistan between the years 1987 and 1989 to Jalaluddin Haqqani and his first wife.[1][4] He is referred to by the Taliban with the honorific 'Hafiz', indicating that he has completely memorized the Qur'an.[5]
After the deterioration of Jalaluddin Haqqani's health, his son Sirajuddin Haqqani took over operations as the overall leader of the Haqqani network. Another son of Jalaluddin, Badruddin Haqqani, took up a high-level role in the organization as an operational commander, before being killed in an American drone strike in 2012. Following his brother Badruddin Haqqani's killing, Abdulaziz Haqqani assumed responsibility for all major Haqqani Network attacks, heavily engaging in military decision-making and logistical processes.[6][7] According to FDD's Long War Journal, as head of Haqqani network operations, Abdulaziz Haqqani maintains strong ties to al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.[2]
Subsequent to the 2021 Taliban Offensive and restoration of the Islamic emirate of Afghanistan's rule over the country, he was officially appointed to the position of deputy to Sirajuddin Haqqani.[3]
Sanctions
editAlthough the Haqqani network has been sanctioned by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since September 2012, Abdulaziz Haqqani has only been sanctioned as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist since 25 August 2015, with a reward of up to $5 million USD for information leading to his location.[1][2][7][8] This move was decried by the Taliban, who described Abdulaziz Haqqani as simply a "low-ranking Mujahid of Islamic Emirate," whilst stating that the sanctions would be ineffective.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Aziz Haqqani". Rewards for Justice. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
- ^ a b c Roggio, Bill (25 August 2015). "US adds Haqqani Network commander to list of global terrorists". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Al Qaeda, ISIS and the Taliban" (PDF). Ultrascan Research Services. 10 October 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
- ^ Yusufzai, Arshad (7 March 2022). "Sirajuddin Haqqani, feared and secretive Taliban figure, reveals face in rare public appearance". Arab News. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
- ^ a b Roggio, Bill (29 August 2015). "Taliban decries US designation of 'low-ranking ' Haqqani Network commander". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ Lurie, Devin (September 2020). "The Haqqani Network: The Shadow Group Supporting the Taliban's Operations" (PDF). American Security Project. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Abdul Aziz Haqqani Designated Global Terrorist". Voice of America. 7 September 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ "Terrorist Designation of Abdul Aziz Haqqani". Department of State Office of the Spokesperson. 25 August 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2023.