In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Pakistani fighter jets reportedly launched airstrikes on Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, late Thursday night, targeting positions linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The strikes came at a politically charged moment — just as Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in India meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Residents of Kabul’s central and northern districts described a terrifying night filled with the sounds of roaring jets and multiple explosions. Videos shared across social media captured flashes in the sky and the rumble of blasts shaking homes. One witness called it “a night of chaos and fear across Kabul.”
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the explosions in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The sound of an explosion was heard in the city of Kabul. However, no one should worry, it is all well and good. The investigation is underway, no report of any damage has been given so far.”
While several Pakistani defence-linked accounts claimed “precise airstrikes” on TTP hideouts, Islamabad’s government and military have yet to issue any official confirmation. According to sources cited by local media, the operation may have targeted TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, who is said to operate from Afghan soil. Hours later, an unverified audio clip allegedly featuring Mehsud surfaced online, in which he denied reports of his death — though no independent verification has been made.
Images circulating online showed debris and smoke rising from residential zones, but Afghan authorities have not confirmed casualties or the scale of damage. Meanwhile, reports by Times Now claim that Taliban-linked outlets called on supporters to prepare for “retaliatory action” inside Pakistan, hinting at a dangerous spiral of conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Earlier that day, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, addressing the National Assembly, issued a stern warning to Kabul: “Enough is enough, our patience has run out.” He accused the Afghan Taliban of harbouring terrorists responsible for deadly cross-border attacks and warned that Pakistan will no longer remain silent.
Adding to the tension, former BBC journalist Kabir Haqmal wrote on X that explosions were followed by gunfire in eastern Kabul’s District 8, with aircraft sounds continuing for minutes, further fuelling speculation of a coordinated air assault.
As confusion and competing narratives flood social media, this marks the first known instance of Pakistan directly striking inside Kabul, signaling a major shift in Islamabad’s military stance toward the Taliban regime.
