Pakistan has released footage of overnight airstrikes on Kabul, claiming its jets targeted Taliban military facilities in response to what it described as “unprovoked aggression”. According to Pakistani officials cited by local media, the Pakistan Air Force struck multiple Taliban sites in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktika in coordinated operations. Two brigade headquarters were said to have been destroyed in Kabul, local media claimed.
The footage could not be independently verified.
The strikes came hours after loud explosions rocked Kabul in the early hours of Friday. AFP journalists in the city reported hearing at least eight blasts from around 1.50am, accompanied by the sound of fighter jets. Residents described homes shaking as successive explosions rang out, followed by gunfire in central Kabul that lasted until around 2.30am.
The escalation follows a sharp deterioration along the disputed Durand Line border. The Taliban government earlier said it had launched large-scale offensive operations against Pakistani military positions, claiming to have captured more than a dozen posts. Pakistan rejected those claims, calling the Afghan action unprovoked and insisting only limited casualties had been sustained.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan was delivering a “strong and effective response” to cross-border fire and would take all necessary measures to protect its territorial integrity.
Tensions have surged in recent days after Pakistani strikes along the border on Sunday, which Islamabad said targeted militant camps. Kabul accused Pakistan of hitting civilian areas, including homes and a madrassa, and warned of retaliation.
