PAKTIKA: A series of explosions and gunfire were reported in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktia province late Thursday night. This follows a similar mysterious explosion that rocked the capital, Kabul, earlier the same evening.
Local residents in the Paktika area reported hearing heavy blasts and sustained firing. The region, along with the neighboring provinces of Paktia and Kunar, is known to harbor militant factions. Infighting between these groups has previously erupted, often involving the use of heavy weapons.
The nature and cause of the latest incidents remain unclear. When asked about the earlier explosions in Kabul, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “We are assessing the situation… so far we have no information about these loud explosions.”
As of now, the events unfolding across Afghanistan tonight remain shrouded in mystery, with no official confirmation about the sources or any potential casualties.
A massive blast heard in the Afghanistan’s capital Kabul
Kabul was shaken by a heavy explosion around 10:30 PM local time. The blast occurred in the area of Abdul Haq Square, affecting several districts of the city.
Following the explosion, witnesses reported heavy gunfire and a significant security presence by Taliban forces, who immediately cordoned off the area and restricted access.
The nature of the explosion remains officially unconfirmed. However, conflicting claims about the target and outcome have emerged.
Some reports suggest a Land Cruiser vehicle was targeted in the attack, with unconfirmed claims that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Noor Wali Mehsud was inside and may have been killed.
In contrast, the Afghan Taliban administration has issued a denial of these claims. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged the sound of an explosion but stated that an investigation is ongoing and downplayed the severity of the incident. Official Taliban sources have explicitly denied that Noor Wali Mehsud was killed in the attack.
Amid the confusion, an audio message purportedly from a person close to Noor Wali Mehsud has circulated, in which the speaker claims the TTP leader is alive and well.
If Noor Wali Mehsud killed in Kabul ?
If the news of TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud’s killing in Kabul is confirmed, the consequences for Afghanistan could be severe.
Such an event would substantiate Pakistan’s long-standing claims that Afghan soil is being used for militancy against it. The Afghan Taliban have consistently rejected these allegations. However, if Mehsud is killed in Kabul, it would provide concrete proof that the Taliban are officially backing militancy in Pakistan by harboring and sheltering militants.
This would likely compel Pakistan to consider a firm and decisive response. Furthermore, the international community, including key players like China, the United States, and Central Asian nations, would be forced to reassess their policies toward the Taliban government.
The overall consequences would be dire, posing a significant challenge to both the Taliban regime and the stability of Afghanistan.
