Explosions and gunfire reported in Kabul, cause under investigation

Several explosions and bursts of gunfire were reported in Kabul late Thursday, according to local media and residents, with the cause and possible casualties still unclear.

Videos shared on social media appeared to show flashes in the sky, leading to unverified claims of possible air strikes by unidentified aircraft.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban’s interim administration, confirmed that an investigation was under way. “No one should have concerns. Everything is good and well,” he said on X, adding that no injuries had been reported so far.

Residents told local outlets that gunfire followed the initial blasts, though officials have not commented on whether the incident was linked to any security operation.

The explosions came as Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi began a six-day visit to India, the first by a senior Taliban figure since the group took power in 2021. The trip is aimed at boosting trade and diplomatic contacts with New Delhi.

Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have also escalated in recent days. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused the Taliban administration of demanding 10 billion rupees (about $35 million) to relocate members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) away from border areas — a claim the Taliban has not addressed.

Islamabad has warned that it will not tolerate further attacks by militants based in Afghanistan, while Kabul maintains it does not allow its territory to be used against other countries.

Authorities in Kabul have yet to release any official findings about the explosions.

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