Pakistan Claims Heavy Damage; Taliban Claim Fighter Jet Downed — Which Narrative Is Closer to Reality?
Local sources report airstrikes in multiple parts of the country. They say areas in Kabul’s Darulaman district, including the Ministry of Justice building and facilities affiliated with the Taliban, were targeted. Parts of the Rishkhor military area were also reportedly damaged.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai stated on X that Pakistani aircraft once again bombed Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
Condemning the strikes, he wrote that the Afghan people will defend their country with unity under all circumstances and respond decisively to aggression.
He emphasized that Pakistan cannot solve problems it has created through violence and bombing. He urged a path of good neighborly relations, mutual respect, and civilized engagement.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that Pakistani forces bombed multiple sites in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
He described the attacks as “aggression.” He said the Taliban have launched large-scale retaliatory operations along the Kandahar and Helmand axes against Pakistani military centers.
According to Mujahid, the operations are a direct response to recent airstrikes. On the other side, Pakistani media reported the launch of an operation titled “Ghazab-ul-Haq.”
According to published reports, the Pakistan Air Force targeted Taliban military facilities in Nangarhar, Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Geo News reported that a large ammunition depot in Nangarhar was destroyed.
Several Taliban positions in the Kurram region were also targeted. Pakistani sources claim more than 150 Taliban members were killed. Eight additional fighters were reportedly killed in separate attacks.
Taliban officials, however, claim they shot down a Pakistani fighter jet after it entered Afghan airspace. They announced the start of a “retaliatory campaign.”
No details have been released regarding the exact crash site or the fate of the crew.
Despite the conflicting narratives from both sides, no independent and verified casualty figures are available.
Continued airstrikes and threats of counter-operations have increased concerns about a broader escalation. An escalation that could extend beyond border regions and into major cities.
