The Afghan capital, Kabul, was rocked by loud explosions late Thursday night as Pakistani fighter jets reportedly carried out airstrikes inside the city, targeting hideouts of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to early reports, the air raids are believed to have killed TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud, marking one of the most daring cross-border operations by Pakistan in recent years.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as explosions echoed across central and northern Kabul, with several residential areas reportedly affected. “The night sky was lit up with flashes and we heard at least two loud blasts,” a local resident posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has confirmed “unusual aerial activity” over the capital but downplayed the severity of the incident. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on X, “A sound of explosion was heard in Kabul city. There is no cause for concern; the situation is under control. Investigations are underway, and no casualties have been reported so far.”
However, Afghan observers and local media suggest that the Taliban administration may be trying to suppress details of the attack, as tensions between Kabul and Islamabad threaten to spiral out of control.
Meanwhile, Pakistani social media accounts closely associated with military sources have claimed responsibility for the strikes. One widely shared post read: “The Pakistan Air Force has conducted precision airstrikes on TTP targets in Kabul tonight. This is a strong message to the Taliban leadership harboring terrorists.”
If confirmed, this would mark the first time Pakistan has conducted an aerial strike inside Kabul city, signaling a major escalation in cross-border hostilities. Experts warn that such actions could ignite a new regional conflict between the Taliban-led Afghan government and Pakistan’s military establishment.
Security analysts have also pointed out that these strikes follow months of rising tension between the two neighbors. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban of sheltering TTP militants, who have launched deadly attacks on Pakistani soil, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
In retaliation, pro-Taliban media outlets have threatened revenge attacks inside Pakistan. Several militant-linked accounts have circulated warnings of upcoming suicide bombings targeting Pakistani security installations.
As of now, both governments are maintaining a tense silence, with neither side issuing an official confirmation of Noor Wali Mehsud’s death. However, if the reports prove accurate, his killing would be a significant blow to the TTP, which has long been waging an insurgency against Pakistan from Afghan territory.
Ground reports from Kabul suggest heightened military presence in several districts, and Afghan authorities are reportedly assessing the scale of damage caused by the strikes. Residents have been urged to stay indoors as the risk of further escalation remains high.
Observers believe this event could mark a turning point in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, pushing both nations closer to open conflict unless diplomatic efforts intervene quickly. The international community, particularly the United Nations and neighboring countries like Iran and China, are expected to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds.
For now, Kabul remains tense, with both fear and anger simmering among its residents as questions grow louder about what lies ahead in a region already struggling with instability and economic hardship.
