News brief

Inner Taliban member target of suicide bombing. A Dec. 11 suicide bombing in the Afghan capital has killed the Taliban refugee minister and two others in the most brazen attack on a member of the Taliban’s inner circle since they returned to power three years ago. Officials say the explosion struck inside the ministry, killing Khalil Haqqani. An official said Mr. Haqqani’s killing may be the biggest blow to the Taliban since their return to power given his stature and influence, and it also comes at a time when the Taliban have staked their legitimacy on restoring peace after decades of war.

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