URGENT UPDATE: Afghanistan’s Taliban government has just accused Pakistan of launching two devastating drone strikes on Kabul, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries. The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, struck a civilian house and a bustling market, raising alarms just as the two nations were poised to declare a truce following their deadliest violence in years.
According to Khalid Zadran, spokesman for the Kabul police chief, the drone strikes hit the city in the afternoon, leaving chaos in their wake. Initial reports indicate that at least five people were killed and dozens more injured. Medical professionals at a local hospital reported that victims suffered from shrapnel wounds, blunt force trauma, and severe burns.
The surgical center operated by Emergency, a prominent non-governmental organization, confirmed the influx of wounded individuals. Despite initial claims from Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, who suggested an oil tanker explosion was to blame, the reality points to an alarming cross-border military operation.
The implications of these strikes are profound, as they emerge at a critical juncture for Afghanistan and Pakistan. The two countries had been negotiating a ceasefire to mitigate ongoing hostilities, making the timing of these attacks particularly concerning. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties, but the situation continues to develop with urgent attention from international observers.
As the Taliban government grapples with the fallout, the global community is watching closely. What happens next could redefine the fragile peace efforts in the region. Stay tuned for real-time updates as this story unfolds.
