Explosions and heavy gunfire echoed through the Afghan capital, Kabul, before dawn on Sunday, as Taliban forces targeted Pakistani military aircraft operating over the city.
The de facto Taliban government confirmed the engagement following reports of pre-dawn blasts from journalists at AFP and Reuters. The incidents mark a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“Anti-aircraft fire targeted the Pakistani air force in Kabul. Residents should not be worried,” Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated via X (formerly Twitter).
Islamabad has not yet issued an official statement regarding the targets or the scope of Sunday’s aerial operations.
The two neighboring countries shifted from months of sporadic border skirmishes to what has been described as “open war” on Thursday. The conflict intensified after Kabul launched a border attack, triggering retaliatory Pakistani air strikes.
The Taliban administration has accused Pakistan of causing numerous civilian casualties during recent bombardments in Kandahar province. Kandahar is considered the heartland of the Taliban movement and is the residence of its Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.
