Afghanistan fires on Pakistani aircraft over Kabul as tensions escalate

Afghanistan said it had opened fire on Pakistani aircraft over Kabul after explosions and gunfire shook the capital on Sunday, further heightening instability in a region already unsettled by US–Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes on American targets in the Gulf.

The Taliban-controlled state was hit earlier this week by Pakistani attacks on government facilities following accusations that it was harbouring militants.

The heaviest fighting between the neighbours in recent years has raised fears of a protracted conflict along their 2,600-kilometre border, with several countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia calling for restraint and offering to help broker a truce.

Before sunrise, explosions were heard in parts of Kabul, followed by gunfire, a Reuters witness said. It was not immediately clear what the target was or whether there were casualties.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the sounds were the result of Afghan forces firing at Pakistani aircraft over the capital.

The violence follows air strikes in Afghanistan this week, which Pakistan said were aimed at militant infrastructure. Kabul described the raids as a violation of its sovereignty and announced retaliatory operations along the shared border.

(reuters, im)