Afghanistan fires at Pakistani jets over Kabul as conflict intensifies
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities said air defence units opened fire on Pakistani aircraft over Kabul after explosions and gunfire shook the capital early Sunday, signalling a sharp escalation in tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
Residents reported multiple blasts before dawn followed by bursts of gunfire across parts of the city, though there was no immediate confirmation of casualties or damage. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan forces had engaged Pakistani aircraft and urged residents to remain calm, describing the incident as a defensive response.
The confrontation follows a series of Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan that Islamabad said were aimed at militant bases linked to cross-border attacks. Taliban officials rejected the allegations and condemned the strikes as violations of Afghan sovereignty, warning of retaliation.
The recent clashes represent the most serious fighting in years along the roughly 2,600-kilometre frontier, raising fears of a prolonged conflict between the two countries. Diplomatic sources say several regional powers, including Gulf states, have urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.
Pakistani authorities have not yet issued an official response to Kabul’s claims that Afghan air defences targeted Pakistani aircraft.
The growing confrontation comes at a time of heightened instability across the region following recent military escalation involving Iran and Western allies. Analysts warn that simultaneous conflicts could strain regional security and disrupt trade and refugee flows across South and Central Asia.
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