Haqqani Network is now running Kabul following Taliban takeover, warns geopolitical expert

Jason Criss Howk, who is a writer and a retired US Army FAO (foreign area officer), wrote in his article published in Clearance Jobs, "Taliban leader Khalil Haqqani, is wanted by the U.S. and UN, has been pictured in the Afghan capital, Kabul, ahead of talks on forming a new government.

"Abdullah Abdullah, a former-Republic leader and negotiator for the upcoming government, stated that this terrorist would be responsible for Kabul security. The Haqqani, on whom the U.S. have placed a $5 million (£3.6 million) bounty – attended the Pul-e-Kheshti Mosque, where reports say hundreds pledged their allegiance to the Taliban."

He wrote the Haqqani network is one of the region’s most powerful and feared militant groups, and has been credited with some of the most violent attacks against Afghan forces and their Western allies in recent years.

"After 20 years of war against the Pakistani proxy forces, the U.S. and the world are back to September 10, 2001. Afghanistan is run by terrorists backed by Pakistan. Just yesterday the Afghan people were celebrating that for the second year in a row a girl earned the top college-entrance score in the country. All of the gains she has enjoyed in her life are in danger. The risks of the rise of a group more brutal than ISIS have risen," he pointed to the Pakistani influence over Afghanistan.

On August 15, the Taliban entered Kabul.

President Ashraf Ghani resigned and fled the country to prevent what he described as bloodshed that would occur if militants stormed the city.

Many countries have since started evacuating their citizens and diplomatic personnel from Afghanistan.