Suspected Pakistani airstrikes hit Kabul, TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud feared dead

Two powerful explosions rocked central Kabul late Thursday evening, sparking widespread speculation of a targeted Pakistani airstrike against a high-profile militant leader.

Afghan Taliban officials downplayed the incident, reporting no casualties or damage, while regional sources claimed the strikes may have eliminated Noor Wali Mehsud, the elusive chief of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group long accused by Islamabad of orchestrating attacks across the border.

The blasts occurred on Thursday night near Abdul Haq Square in the city's eastern District 8, according to eyewitnesses and local media.

AFP journalists on the ground reported hearing the detonations, followed by heavy gunfire and a heightened security presence, with Taliban forces conducting vehicle searches and cordoning off key intersections.

Mobile phone services were disrupted in several neighborhoods, exacerbating panic among residents who described seeing drones and possible fighter jets overhead.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid addressed the incident in a post on X, urging calm: "The sound of an explosion was heard in the city of Kabul. However, no one should worry; it is all well and good. The investigation of the incident is underway, and no report of any damage has been given so far."

Mujahid's statement aligned with reports from Afghan media outlet Tolo News, which cited locals confirming the closure of Abdul Haq intersection, leading to significant traffic congestion.

Sources also indicated that a Land Cruiser vehicle was struck in the area, though details remained unconfirmed.

Pakistani media outlets provided additional context, amplifying claims of cross-border military action. Dawn reported air strikes in Kabul, with sources suggesting a terrorist target was hit, amid heightened tensions over TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

The Express Tribune described the explosions as "powerful" and noted social media buzz about drones and jets.

The News International echoed these details, highlighting the Taliban's investigative response and the absence of immediate casualty reports.

ARY News reported twin blasts jolting the capital, with government assurances of no harm.

Regional intelligence and media sources, including Kabul-based Amu TV, pointed to Noor Wali Mehsud as the primary target.

Mehsud, a Pakistani national who assumed TTP leadership in 2018, has been implicated in numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces.

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Reports suggested the airstrike—potentially involving Pakistani fighter jets—struck a compound or safe house near the explosion site, with Mehsud and associates like Qari Saifullah Mehsud and Khalid Mehsud possibly among the casualties.

However, neither Pakistani nor Afghan authorities have officially confirmed Mehsud's death or Islamabad's involvement.

The incident happened days after Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering TTP militants, vowing action against facilitators on either side of the border.

Analysts warn that if verified, this operation could provoke retaliation, further straining relations between the two neighbors.

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