Kabul was rattled by two powerful explosions on Thursday night, sending shockwaves through the Afghan capital just as the Taliban government’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, arrived in India for crucial diplomatic talks. The first deafening blast occurred around 9:50 pm local time, followed by a second explosion minutes later.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid quickly addressed the incident on social media platform X, stating, “The incident is under investigation, but no casualties have been reported yet and everything is fine.” He promised that further information would be released as the investigation progressed. However, the exact nature and target of the explosions remain unconfirmed.
The blasts immediately sparked widespread concern among residents. Social media was abuzz with reports of people hearing the explosions and witnessing drones in the sky, adding to the mystery. An AFP journalist on the ground observed numerous security forces swiftly mobilizing across the capital, conducting thorough searches of vehicles, while mobile telephone services were reportedly disrupted in several neighborhoods, heightening the sense of unease.
This sudden turn of events casts a shadow over the Taliban’s ongoing efforts to garner international recognition and support. Minister Muttaqi’s two-day visit to India is seen as a significant step in these endeavors, as the Islamic Emirate currently only enjoys official recognition from Russia. The timing of the explosions, coinciding with such a high-profile diplomatic mission, raises questions about potential internal or external challenges to the Taliban’s authority. The incident underscores the persistent instability in Afghanistan as the Taliban administration navigates both domestic security concerns and its quest for global legitimacy. Follow republicpolicy.com
