Abdul Aziz Haqqani, a top leader of Pakistan-based Haqqani network, has been named as a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist’ by the US for his involvement in planning and carrying out attacks against Afghanistan. Aziz Haqqani assumed the leadership role of the al Qaeda-linked Haqqani network after the death of his brother Badruddin Haqqani.
In August 2014 the US had announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the location of Aziz. He is a senior member of the Haqqani Network and brother of Haqqani Network leader Sirajuddin Haqqani.
Points to Note
- Abdul Aziz Haqqani has been involved in planning and carrying out improvised explosive device (IED) attacks against Afghan government targets.
- The Haqqani Network has planned and carried out a number of significant kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan, as well as Afghan government and civilian targets.
- The Department of State designated the Haqqani Network as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in September 2012.
- The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan.
Test Your Knowledge
Who is the current leader of the Terrorist Group – Boko Haram?
Who was the Founder of Boko Haram?