Afghanistan fires at Pakistani jets over Kabul as conflict intensifies

Afghanistan said it was firing at Pakistani jets in Kabul after blasts and gunfire rocked the capital on Sunday, compounding instability in a region rattled by U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in Gulf states. The Taliban-ruled state has suffered Pakistani strikes against government installations over the past week following accusations, which it denies, that it harbours militants.Explosions echoed across parts of Kabul before sunrise, followed by bursts of gunfire, a Reuters witness said. It was not clear what had been targeted or whether there were casualties.
Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the sounds were the result of Afghan forces targeting Pakistani aircraft over the capital. “Air defence attacks were carried out in Kabul against Pakistani aircraft. Kabul residents should not be concerned,” Mujahid said.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense said it had thwarted an attempt by the Pakistani military to carry out airstrikes and that the situation is currently under control.
The heaviest fighting in years between the neighbours has raised fears of a protracted conflict along their 2,600-km (1,615-mile) border, with several countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia calling for restraint and offering to help mediate a ceasefire.
Pakistan’s prime minister’s office, information ministry and military did not respond to requests for comment. The violence follows air strikes inside Afghanistan this week that Pakistan said targeted militant infrastructure. Afghanistan described the strikes as a violation of sovereignty and announced retaliatory operations along their shared border.