TTP leader reportedly targeted in Pakistani airstrike in Kabul
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Twin explosions in Kabul sparked reports of a Pakistani airstrike targeting TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud.
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A military helicopter flies over the city after dropping flowers during celebrations marking the fourth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal and the start of Taliban rule in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nava Jamshidi)
Two powerful explosions struck central Kabul late on Thursday evening, triggering panic and speculation of a Pakistani airstrike targeting Noor Wali Mehsud, the leader of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The blasts occurred near Abdul Haq Square in the eastern District 8, with eyewitnesses reporting drones and possible fighter jets overhead.
Journalists from AFP confirmed hearing the detonations, followed by intense gunfire and increased security deployments by Taliban forces, who began inspecting vehicles and cordoning off key roads.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid urged calm in a post on X: "The sound of an explosion was heard in the city of Kabul. However, no one should worry; it is all well and good. The investigation of the incident is underway, and no report of any damage has been given so far."
د کابل په ښار کې د یوې چاودنې غږ اوریدل شوی.
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) October 9, 2025
خو څوک دې تشویش نه کوي، خیر او خیرت ده، د حادثې پلټنه روانه ده، تر اوسه د کوم زیان په اړه راپور نه دی ورکړل شوی.
صدای یک انفجار در کابل شنیده شد.
تحقیقات جریان دارد، تا کنون گزارش کدام زیانی داده نشده است خیر و خیرت می باشد.
Despite the statement, mobile phone networks were disrupted in several districts, contributing to public concern. Local outlet Tolo News confirmed that the Abdul Haq intersection was sealed off, resulting in major traffic congestion.
Regional intelligence sources and Kabul-based Amu TV also reported that Noor Wali Mehsud may have been the primary target. Unconfirmed reports suggested that a Land Cruiser vehicle was hit and that a compound or safe house near the blast site was struck.
Mehsud, who assumed leadership of the TTP in 2018, has been linked to numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces. Reports indicate that associates such as Qari Saifullah Mehsud and Khalid Mehsud may also have been present during the strike.
Pakistani media points to cross-border strike
Several Pakistani media outlets fueled speculation of a cross-border airstrike, suggesting the use of fighter jets or drones. Dawn cited unnamed sources claiming a terrorist target had been eliminated. The Express Tribune and ARY News described the explosions as "powerful," echoing social media reports of aerial activity in the area.
The News International and The Express Tribune highlighted the Taliban’s official statements and noted the absence of confirmed casualties. However, no formal confirmation has been issued by either Islamabad or Kabul regarding Mehsud’s status or Pakistan’s involvement.
Following the explosions, Taliban forces conducted extensive searches and lockdowns across parts of the city. Witnesses described a tense atmosphere, with roads blocked and public services delayed.
The incident occurred just days after Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif publicly accused the Taliban government of harboring TTP militants and warned of potential retaliation against cross-border threats.
If confirmed, the reported Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan would mark a significant escalation in already strained relations between the two countries, with analysts warning of possible retaliatory actions by militant groups operating in the region.
