Kabul: An explosion followed by sustained gunfire was heard in central Kabul on Sunday, according to AFP journalists on the ground, as cross-border fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan intensified.

The Taliban government said Afghan forces were responding to what it described as a fresh incursion by Pakistani aircraft, with anti-aircraft fire directed at planes overhead.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan forces were engaging Pakistani aircraft operating in the area.

Fighting intensified on Thursday after Afghanistan launched an offensive along frontier areas, prompting retaliatory strikes from Pakistan.

Pakistan has acknowledged carrying out air operations targeting cities including Kabul and Kandahar. Afghan authorities have accused Pakistan of causing civilian casualties, allegations Islamabad has not formally responded to.

In southern Kandahar, construction workers said they were struck by two air raids on Sunday. Local officials reported at least three deaths at the site.

One survivor described the suddenness of the attack, saying, “Everything went dark before our eyes.”

Civilian casualties reported

Afghan officials claim that Pakistani fire has killed 30 civilians in eastern provinces including Khost, Kunar, and Paktika since Thursday. The figures have not been independently verified.

Residents in border districts reported shelling, airstrikes, and displacement as families fled their homes. Several described chaotic scenes, with civilians leaving without belongings amid ongoing bombardments.

Claims of aircraft downing disputed

On Saturday, Afghan security forces said they had downed a Pakistani fighter jet and detained the pilot. Pakistan rejected the claim, calling it “totally untrue.”