Twin explosions shake Kabul; no injuries have been reported.
Explosions hit Kabul as the Taliban's top diplomat visits India for crucial international talks.
Afghanistan – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Two massive explosions jolted central Kabul on Thursday evening, according to AFP correspondents.
The first loud boom occurred at 9:50 p.m. local time (1720 GMT), followed by a second explosion a few minutes later.
“The incident is being investigated, but no casualties have been reported, and everything is fine,” government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X, adding that further details will be revealed later.
On social media, some individuals reported hearing explosions and seeing drones.
An AFP writer witnessed multiple security personnel alerted and examining automobiles along the capital’s streets. Mobile phone service was down in numerous neighborhoods.
Earlier Thursday, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India for a two-day visit, a new step in the Taliban government’s efforts to gain international backing, with Russia currently the only country that recognizes the Islamic Emirate.
The blast occurred when Afghanistan’s UN-sanctioned foreign minister was in India, the first visit by a top Taliban leader since they returned to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces.
Amir Khan Muttaqi’s trip—made possible after the UN Security Council granted him a travel waiver, as New Delhi deepens its engagement with the Taliban government.
“We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues,” Indian foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, offering Muttaqi a “warm welcome.”
Muttaqi, who met with India’s top career diplomat Vikram Misri in January in Dubai, is set to hold talks with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Pakistan, Afghanistan play out goalless draw in Asian Cup Qualifier in Islamabad
Neither side has disclosed the agenda, but analysts say trade and security are likely to be at the forefront—though India is unlikely, for now, to extend formal recognition to the Taliban government.
“New Delhi is eager to establish its influence in Kabul… and not be left behind by China and Pakistan,” International Crisis Group analyst Praveen Donthi told AFP.
Muttaqi’s visit follows meetings in Russia—the only country so far to have officially recognized the Taliban administration.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.