Formed in the late 1970s, the Haqqani Terror Network is the most deadly insurgent group targeting international and Afghan security forces in Afghanistan. It is responsible for many high-profile attacks, including a 2011 assault on the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and the headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force.
The U.S. Department of State previously offered a reward of up to $5 million for information on the group’s chief, Sirajuddin Haqqani, wanted in connection with a January 2008 attack on the Serena Hotel in Kabul that killed an American citizen and five other people. The Rewards for Justice Program is now increasing that to a reward offer of up to $10 million.
Believed to be hiding in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan, Sirajuddin Haqqani is about 41 years old, stands 170 centimeters tall, weighs approximately 68 kilograms, with a light wrinkled complexion and black hair. He also is known as Siraj Haqqani or Khalifa.
The Rewards for Justice Program also is offering new rewards of up to $5 million each for information on the location of four other HQN leaders wanted in connection with terrorist acts.
Aziz Haqqani, about 26 years old, is Sirajuddin’s brother. He is involved in logistical operations and command decisions involving cross-border terror attacks, and also plays a key role in HQN’s operations in Kabul and in major attacks throughout Afghanistan.
Sirajuddin’s uncle, Khalil al-Rahman Haqqani, is a senior HQN member who has raised funds for the Taliban and who has been linked to al-Qaida terrorist operations. He also has overseen the detention of hostages captured by HQN and Taliban fighters. He is about 48 years old and uses the aliases Khaleel Haqqani and Khalil Ahmad Haqqani.
Yahya Haqqani, Sirajuddin’s brother-in-law, has been closely involved in the group’s operational, financial, and propaganda activities, and has served as de-facto leader when other senior-most HQN leaders were absent. He is about 32 years old and has delivered funds to HQN commanders and al-Qaida members.
Abdul Rauf Zakir is HQN’s chief of suicide operations and its operational commander for Kabul Province and other northern provinces. About 44 years old, he also oversees HQN’s weapons training program, whose trainees killed 16 Afghans, including six children, in the 2011 U.S. Embassy attack. He often uses the alias Qari Zakir.
The U.S. guarantees that all reports will be investigated and the identity of all informants will be kept confidential. If appropriate, the U.S. is prepared to protect informants by relocating them. If you have information on any of these men, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip at www.rewardsforjustice.net, or e-mail information to info@rewardsforjustice.net. You can also call the RFJ tip line at 1-800-877-3927. Individuals in Afghanistan may call the RFJ tip line at 0700 108 600.
