‘Pakistani aircraft shot down, do not panic’: Taliban spokesperson Mujahid after explosions heard in Kabul

Blasts and gunfire were heard in Kabul early on Sunday as fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan entered a fourth day, reported Reuters. Explosions echoed across parts of the Afghan capital before sunrise, followed by bursts of gunfire. Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan air defence units had targeted Pakistani aircraft over Kabul, reported news agency Reuters. “Air defence attacks were carried out in Kabul against Pakistani aircraft. Kabul residents should not be concerned,” he said. The Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment, Reuters added. ## Clashes between Pakistan-Afghanistan enter fourth day The Reuters report stated that the clashes mark the heaviest fighting in years between the two neighbours and have raised fears of a prolonged conflict along their 2,600-km border. Clashes between the two neighbouring countries entered fourth day on Sunday. The violence follows Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan earlier this week. Pakistan said the strikes targeted militant infrastructure. However, Afghanistan described these attacks as a violation of sovereignty and announced retaliatory operations along their shared frontier. ## Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring TTP militants The violence follows Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan this week, which Islamabad said targeted militant infrastructure. Kabul described the strikes as a violation of sovereignty. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harbouring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, a charge Kabul denies. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the situation as “open war”, while Afghanistan’s Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani warned the conflict would be “very costly”. ## Afghanistan says 52 civilians killed by Pakistani military attacks The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said Pakistani military actions since February 22 in Khost, Paktika, Nangarhar, Paktia, Kandahar and Kunar provinces killed 52 civilians and wounded 66 others, including women and children, reported Tolo News. Deputy spokesperson of the Taliban administration Hamdullah Fitrat said eight homes were completely destroyed and 14 partially damaged in an attack by Pakistan. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More