In a major escalation with the Taliban, the Pakistan Air Force reportedly launched airstrikes in Kabul on Thursday evening.
Reports suggest the PAF carried out multiple airstrikes in Afghanistan against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Noor Wali Mehsud.
Afghanistan-based AMU TV has said that Mehsud, the leader of the terrorist organisation, was killed in the attack. However, there is no official confirmation of Mehsud’s assassination.
Former CIA officer Sarah Adams said that Pakistan’s Military struck Mehsud’s guesthouse and his vehicle.
Mehsud was one of Pakistan’s most wanted militant figures. Born in June 1978 in Pakistan’s South Waziristan, Mehsud became the TTP’s chief in 2018 after the death of his predecessor, Mullah Fazlullah.
In 2013, Mehsud was running a network involved in extortion and kidnappings to finance militant activities across Pakistan.
Local news agency said the strikes were carried out near Abdulhaq Square in downtown Kabul, while the second attack was launched in Khost province, the southeastern part of the country.
The Taliban chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the attack and said an investigation has been launched.
The attacks came hours after Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused the Taliban administration of providing a safe haven to the TTP.
Asif, on Thursday, claimed that the Taliban administration asked for money from Islamabad for relocating TTP terrorists away from its border.
The attacks come amidst Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s six-day visit to India to foster ties between the two countries and secure eventual diplomatic recognition.
