Kabul residents report second night of drone activity, gunfire

Residents of Kabul reported a second consecutive night of drone activity and gunfire across parts of the capital city, amid continued tensions between Pakistan and Taliban.

Three local sources told Amu TV that drones were heard flying over areas including Qasaba, Gard, Darulaman and neighborhoods surrounding Kabul airport late Thursday night and early Friday morning.

The sources said anti-aircraft fire and scattered gunfire followed the drone activity, with shooting described as intermittent but intense in some areas.

One Kabul resident, speaking on condition of anonymity because of security concerns, said anti-aircraft fire appeared to originate near military facilities linked to the Taliban’s Defense Ministry.

“After the sound of the aircraft, explosions and continuous gunfire could be heard,” the resident said.

Another resident said the repeated overnight incidents had heightened fear among civilians in the city.

“We cannot sleep until morning,” the resident said. “Even our children have been psychologically affected by the fear and panic.”

Taliban have not publicly commented on the reported drone flights or the gunfire.

The incidents come amid months of escalating tensions between Pakistan and Taliban, including border clashes, airstrikes and mutual accusations over militant activity.

Since late last year, Pakistani military operations have periodically targeted areas in Kabul, Kandahar and eastern border provinces, according to residents and local reports.

Earlier this week, the United Nations reported that clashes and cross-border attacks between Pakistan and Taliban forces from January through March killed 372 civilians and wounded 397 others, including women and children.

The report said a Pakistani strike on the Omid treatment center in Kabul on March 16 killed more than 260 civilians. Pakistan has denied targeting civilian sites and says its operations are directed against militant groups operating from Afghanistan’s territory.