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Loud explosions were reported across Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, early Friday, according to residents and journalists, just hours after the Taliban government announced a military offensive along the border with Pakistan.
The blasts were heard across the city from around 1:50 am (2120 GMT Thursday) and were accompanied by the sound of jets. A resident, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said about eight explosions struck different parts of the city.
The individual noted that while the initial blasts occurred at a distance, later ones were much closer and caused buildings to shake, adding that the sound of fighter jets followed each detonation.
“The first two explosions were farther away from us. The last ones were near us and shook the house and fighter jets can be heard after every explosion.”
Journalists in the city also reported hearing sustained gunfire in central Kabul for roughly 40 minutes after the explosions began.
The incident came shortly after Taliban forces carried out attacks on Pakistani troops along the border, describing the action as retaliation for recent air strikes that reportedly caused fatalities.
