Afghan capital Kabul: Leading Taliban cleric killed in attack

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Taliban fighters in Kabul

Photo: STRINGER/EPA

In Afghanistan, a high-ranking dignitary of the ruling radical Islamic Taliban has been killed in a suicide attack.

Rahimullah Hakkani, known for his incendiary speeches against the terrorist militia "Islamic State" (IS), was "the only martyr" of a bomb attack on the Koran school he ran in Kabul, a police spokesman said.

Hakkani had recently spoken out publicly for girls' access to schooling.

According to the police spokesman, four other people were injured in the attack.

A government spokesman spoke of an "attack by a cowardly enemy" without giving any further details.

According to the Reuters news agency, the IS extremists claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hakkani had previously survived two assassination attempts on him - one in October 2020 in Pakistan.

According to information from Taliban circles, Hakkani did not hold an official position, but was very influential within the radical Islamic organization and has taught numerous members in recent years.

Hakkani was known for his angry speeches against ISIS.

The jihadist militia had claimed responsibility for several attacks in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.

In recent months, Hakkani has spoken out in favor of girls' right to education.

In Islamic law there is "no justification for calling the education of girls and women illegal," Hakkani told the BBC in May.

In the months since they came to power, the Taliban have severely curtailed access to education for girls and women, citing a strict interpretation of Islam.

Secondary schools for girls are no longer allowed to open in most of Afghanistan.

asa/AFP/Reuters