KABUL: Multiple Afghan media outlets and journalists have confirmed the death of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Noor Wali Mehsud, citing their sources. This follows a powerful explosion that rocked central Kabul on Friday night around 10:30 PM local time near Abdul Haq Square. The blast was followed by intense gunfire, prompting Taliban security forces to immediately cordon off the area and launch an investigation.
While the official nature of the explosion remains unconfirmed, strong claims emerged that a Land Cruiser vehicle was targeted in the attack, with several reports suggesting Noor Wali Mehsud was inside. Specific Afghan news agencies, including Amu TV, have reported his death, attributing the information to inside sources.
These reports stand in direct contrast to the position of the Afghan Taliban administration. Their spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, acknowledged the sound of an explosion but downplayed the incident, stating an investigation was ongoing. Official Taliban sources have explicitly denied that Noor Wali Mehsud was killed. The Taliban government is expected to give an official response in a scheduled press conference in Kabul today.
Also read: Blasts hit eastern Afghanistan, following Kabul
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.
