Taliban’s Deputy Intelligence Chief Linked to Rising Terror Threats

The Jamestown Foundation has issued a warning about Tajmir Jawad, the Taliban’s deputy intelligence chief and a prominent commander within the Haqqani network. His alleged connections to ISIS-Khorasan and al-Qaeda have made him one of the most dangerous figures in the Taliban. The foundation emphasized that his role in orchestrating suicide bombings and targeted assassinations could pave the way for the expansion of terrorism and regional instability.

​Prominent Haqqani Commander Accused of Leading Suicide Operations

The Jamestown research journal reported that Tajmir Jawad, the Taliban’s deputy intelligence chief and a leading commander within the Haqqani network, has become one of the most dangerous Taliban figures in Afghanistan due to his extensive and dubious connections with ISIS-Khorasan and al-Qaeda.

​Operational History and Terrorist Relations

According to the Jamestown report, Tajmir Jawad has played a vital role in directing violent activities:

• Leading Operations: He has directed suicide operations and targeted assassinations, facilitating the movement of his operatives through secure routes.
• Overseeing Suicide Units: Jawad has maintained direct oversight of the suicide unit associated with the Haqqani network, known as Al-Hamza.
• Direct Training: Over the past 12 years, he has been under the direct training of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister, and has played a significant role in the Taliban’s propaganda apparatus.

Serious Threat to Regional Security

The Jamestown Foundation has warned that having an individual with such a background at the helm of the Taliban’s intelligence service poses a serious threat for increased violence, the spread of terrorism, and threats to regional security.

Jawad’s ties to ISIS and al-Qaeda raise significant concerns regarding the Taliban’s ability to control militia forces and prevent widespread instability in Afghanistan, casting doubt on their commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.