Kabul, Afghanistan. Explosions and heavy gunfire were reported in Kabul before dawn on Sunday as Taliban forces targeted Pakistani military aircraft operating over the city. The Taliban government confirmed the engagement amid reports from AFP and Reuters journalists.
Taliban confirm engagement over Kabul
Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that “anti-aircraft fire targeted the Pakistani air force in Kabul” and added that residents “should not be worried.”
Pakistan has not commented on the reported operation
Islamabad had not issued an official statement on the targets or the scope of Sunday’s aerial operations.
Hostilities described as escalating into “open war”
The two neighboring countries moved from months of sporadic border skirmishes to what was described as “open war” on Thursday. The conflict intensified after Kabul launched a border attack, followed by retaliatory Pakistani air strikes.
Taliban accuse Pakistan of civilian casualties in Kandahar
The Taliban administration has accused Pakistan of causing numerous civilian casualties during recent bombardments in Kandahar province, which is considered the heartland of the Taliban movement and the residence of its Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.
What developments will you be watching for next in the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict?