Explosions and Gunfire Rock Kabul After Afghan Forces Shoot at Pakistani Aircraft Amid Border Tensions

Kabul. Continuous explosions and gunfire rocked Kabul on Sunday after Afghan forces shot at a Pakistani aircraft, local AFP journalists reported experiencing the sounds firsthand.

Recent clashes along the border have intensified tensions between the Taliban government and Pakistan. The clashes have affected both civilians and security forces.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that anti-aircraft fire was directed at a Pakistani aircraft in Kabul. Pakistan admitted to carrying out airstrikes in major Afghan cities on Friday but has not responded to allegations of civilian casualties.

Local construction workers in southern Kandahar stated that at least three civilians were killed in two airstrikes. 20-year-old Inamullah said, "Everything went dark before our eyes; I only came to Kabul to earn a living."

Afghan Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated that 30 civilians have died in Pakistani firing along the border area since Thursday. Claims of casualties from both sides are difficult to verify independently.

Afghan security forces denied claims that a Pakistani fighter jet was shot down and the pilot captured. However, residents near the border reported that the firing continued, forcing some to flee their homes. 63-year-old Mohammad Rasool said, "When the bombing started, children and women all rushed out; no one had shoes, no one had clothes or security to cover their house windows and doors."

Diplomatic efforts have failed to secure a ceasefire. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are involved in attempts to stop the clashes, while China has called for peace, stating it is working with both countries.

The United States has expressed support for "Pakistan's right to defend itself against Taliban attacks." Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups, an accusation the Taliban denies.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group linked to the Taliban, has claimed responsibility for many past attacks. This week's airstrikes are considered the first major operation by Pakistan focused on Afghan government facilities. Pakistan's spokesperson, Musharraf Zaidi, claimed that approximately 300 Afghan soldiers and terrorists were killed and 27 posts captured.

The Pakistani Information Minister stated on Saturday that airstrikes had occurred in 37 locations across Afghanistan. Afghan Deputy Spokesperson Fitrat reported that over 80 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 27 military posts captured. Kabul's Ministry of Defense also confirmed that airstrikes were ongoing on Pakistani territory.

Pakistan has declared an "open war," while the Afghan government has called for a resolution to the conflict through dialogue. This month's violence is considered the worst since clashes in October, which killed over 70 people on both sides, putting civilians in the border region at risk.

Saudi Arabia intervened this month after ceasefire and negotiation efforts mediated by Qatar and Turkey last year failed. Meanwhile, continuous gunfire and airstrikes in Kabul are affecting the lives of residents and laborers near the border, drawing international attention to maintaining peace and security.