Kabul Rocked by Explosions as Pakistan Declares ‘Open War’ with Afghanistan
Kabul, Afghanistan – Explosions and gunfire erupted in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday, marking the fourth day of escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. A Reuters journalist on the ground reported the blasts occurred before sunrise, followed by intermittent bursts of gunfire across parts of the city.
The nature of the targets and any potential casualties remain unclear. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban administration, stated the sounds were a result of Afghan forces targeting Pakistani aircraft over Kabul, urging residents not to be alarmed.
The escalating violence follows a series of airstrikes carried out by Pakistan within Afghanistan this week, which Pakistani officials claim targeted militant infrastructure. Afghanistan has condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and responded with retaliatory operations along the countries’ shared border.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s office, information ministry, and military have yet to comment on the latest developments.
Both nations have reported significant losses, though casualty figures remain unverified by independent sources. This latest confrontation represents the most serious armed conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan since a Qatari-mediated ceasefire in October, according to reporting from the Associated Press.
The 2,600-kilometer (1,615-mile) border between the two countries has long been a source of tension, and the current escalation raises fears of a broader, more sustained conflict. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, stated on Friday that the situation had reached a state of “open war,” a declaration that underscores the gravity of the situation.
The conflict’s roots are complex, stemming from long-standing accusations of cross-border terrorism and support for insurgent groups. Al Jazeera provides detailed context on the underlying causes of the fighting, highlighting the delicate geopolitical landscape of the region.
Published March 1, 2026, 9:44 am IST.