Kabul rocked by powerful explosions; Pakistan's role suspected, claims 30 militants were killed

KABUL: Multiple powerful explosions rocked Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, on Thursday night. Preliminary reports indicate that the blasts were the result of airstrikes conducted by the Pakistani military.

A senior Pakistani army official, quoted by Reuters, said the operation was launched based on credible intelligence. “After intense exchange of fire, all 30 India-backed Khwarij (militants) involved in the terrorist incident have been sent to hell,” the official said.

The explosions occurred around 9.50 pm on Thursday. The local administration has not yet released information on possible casualties. Taliban spokesperson Zabibullah Mujahid said that there were no reports of death or damage so far, and that the Taliban government has launched an investigation into the incident. International media reported that air raid sirens were heard, and residents and foreigners in the area moved to safe locations.

Reports say at least two explosions took place near Abdul Haq Square, an area that houses several Afghan ministries and the intelligence agency. The attack came just hours after a Taliban leader visited India- the first such visit since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is currently in India. Following the incident, Muttaqi reportedly warned Pakistan "not to play games" with them.