On Thursday night, October 9, 2025, the skies over Kabul erupted in chaos as Pakistan reportedly launched a series of airstrikes targeting hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group blamed for surging violence inside Pakistan. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions rocking the Afghan capital, with blasts shaking neighborhoods near Abdulhaq Square and beyond.

Pakistan’s Strikes

The news followed a TTP ambush on October 8, killing 11 Pakistani soldiers in Kurram district near the Afghan border, as reported by Reuters. The attack involved roadside bombs and gunfire targeting a military convoy, escalating TTP’s campaign against Pakistani forces, as detailed by Al Jazeera.

Moreover, Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP fighters, allowing them to launch cross-border raids from safe havens in provinces like Khost and Nangarhar, as noted by The New York Times. In response, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had warned earlier that day, as per reports by Dawn, of an “all-out war” if Kabul failed to act, declaring, “Enough is enough.”

Reports suggest a key target was TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, orchestrator of extortion, kidnappings, and assaults along the Durand Line. His death in the Kabul raid was confirmed by sources including Amu TV and BBC News, describing it as a “precise” strike.

Afghan Taliban Response

Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid addressed the incident directly via a post on X late that night, confirming the sounds of blasts but urging calm among residents. “The sound of an explosion was heard in the city of Kabul. Investigations are ongoing, and no reports of any harm have been received so far. It is all well and good,” Mujahid stated, signaling a composed yet vigilant approach to the unfolding events.