CNN: Iran’s Connection with Taliban Was One of the Reasons for Killing Soleimani
According to CNN’s report, the Islamic Republic of Iran has paid rewards to Taliban fighters to attack American forces and the international coalition in Afghanistan. According to this report, this was one of the reasons for the killing of Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force.
CNN news network, citing documents and records from U.S. security agencies, reported that the Islamic Republic government has paid Taliban fighters to attack the objectives and positions of United States military forces in Afghanistan.
According to CNN’s report, these documents show that a foreign government paid the Haqqani network to carry out a Taliban fighter attack on Bagram base on December 11, 2019. During this attack, two civilians were killed and more than 70 people, including four American troops, were wounded.
The name of this foreign government remained classified in the confidential documents, but two informed sources close to intelligence services told CNN that the foreign government in question is the Islamic Republic of Iran.
According to U.S. intelligence officials, the Haqqani network does not need to receive money to attack U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
According to CNN’s report, however, Pentagon internal documents indicate that financial support for the attack on Bagram base was likely intended to encourage and incite fighters to intensify attacks on American and international coalition forces.
CNN’s report states that the Islamic Republic’s efforts to attack American targets through proxy warfare is not new, but after the deadly attack on Bagram base, several intelligence and security agencies were tasked with reviewing Iran’s relations with the Haqqani network and presenting various options and ways to respond and react to it.
About a month after the Taliban attack in Bagram, the convoy of Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, came under attack by an American drone near Baghdad Airport, and Soleimani was killed in this operation.
According to CNN’s report, the aforementioned operation was among the results of a review by U.S. security agencies on how to respond to the Islamic Republic’s support for the Taliban.
CNN, citing statements from current and former U.S. government officials, reported that the Islamic Republic’s connection with the Taliban was one of the reasons that played a role in Washington’s decision to kill Qasem Soleimani.
This news service emphasizes in its report that U.S. national security officials, despite confirming that Iran-Haqqani network relations pose a serious threat to American interests, recommended to the United States government in March to refrain from taking specific measures, because any reaction in this regard could have negative impacts on peace negotiations with the Taliban.
Source: DW
