Pakistani airstrikes have struck a weapons depot located in the western suburbs of Kabul, leading to hours of secondary explosions that rattled homes across the Afghan capital. The attacks are part of an aggressive escalation between Pakistani authorities and the Taliban, a group that was once closely allied with Pakistan, as they exchange cross-border assaults. Pakistan has described the escalating tensions as an open conflict, which is sending shockwaves of fear throughout Afghanistan’s civilian population.

Verified video footage from Reuters depicted thick black smoke rising over Darulaman, a residential area in western Kabul that also houses several government and military complexes. The fire engendered by the strikes engulfed part of the depot, with recurring flashes lighting up the night sky as munitions inside ignited. Residents reported that the bombardment commenced shortly after midnight, with many being awakened from their sleep by the atmospheric bombardment, raising concerns about their safety and the potential for further violence.

The unraveling situation reflects a deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan, with the once-cooperative dynamic between Pakistan and the Taliban fraying significantly. This development could have broader implications for the region, risking a larger conflict involving multiple stakeholders. Continuous violence and escalating military actions in the area pose a significant threat not only to Afghanistan but also to its neighbors, adding to the already tense geopolitical landscape.