Kabul rattled by blasts and gunfire as Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes escalate

Kabul woke to a sequence of loud blasts and bursts of gunfire as clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces intensified near and over the capital. Witnesses described a night of sirens, smoke rising from city outskirts, and a palpable sense of fear among residents who say their streets have rarely felt this tense in recent years. Authorities have yet to release casualty figures or full details, but the situation underscores a notable escalation in a conflict drawing attention far beyond Afghanistan's borders.

Security forces tightened checkpoints, families sheltered in their homes, and social media buzzed with unconfirmed reports from neighborhoods across Kabul. Analysts warned that the flare-up could have ripple effects beyond the capital, potentially drawing in regional actors and complicating security dynamics in the border region.

On the ground, the Taliban administration’s spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the sounds were the result of Afghan forces targeting Pakistani aircraft over the capital, a claim that highlights competing narratives around who is initiating hostilities. Pakistani officials have not publicly confirmed the claim, leaving ambiguity about the source and targets of the attacks.

International observers urged restraint and de-escalation, calling for dialogue to prevent a broader confrontation. For Kabul residents, safety and basic necessities become the priority as authorities assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. The day’s events serve as a stark reminder of how quickly regional tensions can flare into street-level violence in the Afghan capital.

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