Sirajuddin Haqqani: Secretive Taliban leader, US most wanted makes first public appearance

The Taliban acting interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is on America's most wanted terrorists list, made a rare public appearance on Saturday in Afghanistan.

For the first time, visuals showing Sirajuddin Haqqani's face were published by official Taliban government channels. That contrasted with an October appearance, when photos of the influential and reserved figure were blurred.

Haqqani, who heads the dreaded Haqqani Network, was photographed attending the Saturday graduation ceremony of the first class to complete police training since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan.

"For your satisfaction and for building your trust... I am appearing in the media in a public meeting with you," he said in a speech at the parade.

The United States has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his arrest, saying he was responsible for a string of terror attacks.

Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is believed to be in his 40s, is the son of Haqqani Network founder Jalaluddin Haqqani, who died in 2018.