Pakistani Strikes Hit Taliban Installations in Afghanistan Cities

Pakistani air strikes hit military installations in major Afghan cities this morning, part of an operation dubbed “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” launched in response to unprovoked and miscalculated attacks on border posts. Taliban officials confirmed the raids, which extended into Kabul, capital city, as far as government compounds.

Residents reported hearing secondary explosions for hours, causing significant panic. In Darulaman, a residential neighborhood in western Kabul, video from Reuters captured thick plumes of black smoke rising above a depot where fire engulfed part of the facility. Flashing lights lit up the night sky as ammunition ignited and exploded repeatedly inside. The initial blasts were followed by continuous detonations.

Tamim, a taxi driver near the depot, recounted his experience: “We were asleep when we heard the sound of a plane. It dropped two bombs then flew away. Afterward, we heard explosions.” Tamim described how stored munitions kept exploding on their own, causing panic among residents who rushed down from upper floors of homes.

The fire burned until around 6 am, bringing control only after it reached extreme intensity. “Everyone was extremely scared,” said Tamim, mentioning plans to leave the area for safety.

Residents like Danish, a pharmacist living nearby, woke up at night due to news of rising tensions and didn’t return to sleep until morning. Reuters witnesses across Kabul reported hearing loud blasts and aircraft sounds followed by ambulance sirens cutting through the night.

The Taliban regime spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated their willingness to negotiate with Pakistan for a resolution. The strike was particularly jarring for many Afghans, serving as a stark reminder of past conflicts in an already poverty-stricken country grappling with unemployment and worsening hunger since 2021 after aid deliveries collapsed following the Taliban’s return to power.

For Afghan residents, including Mohammad Ali who sells mobile electrical accessories and experienced a violent wake-up call around 2 am from gunfire at a guesthouse, the strike brought back memories of previous wars. The operation underscores the ongoing challenge in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan amidst global calls for peace negotiations.