A powerful explosion shook the Afghan capital at approximately 3:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and sparking alarm among residents.

The blast, heard across multiple neighborhoods in the eastern sector of Kabul, prompted a swift response from security forces, who cordoned off the area and deployed bomb-squad units, drones, and forensic teams to investigate.

Eyewitnesses reported feeling the shockwave of the explosion, with one describing "a loud boom followed by dark smoke rising from the site." Nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution, and local hospitals were placed on high alert, though no casualties or significant property damage have been confirmed as of the latest reports.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement urging calm and confirming that an investigation is underway. "We are assessing the situation, and no group has claimed responsibility at this time," Mujahid said, adding that security agencies have been ordered to heighten patrols across Kabul’s sensitive zones.

The explosion comes amid heightened tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where recent clashes have resulted in civilian and military casualties. On October 9, 2025, twin blasts near Abdul Haq Square, a central government area in Kabul, raised suspicions of targeted attacks against Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) officials, though no group claimed responsibility for that incident either. Afghan authorities have frequently accused Pakistan of involvement in such attacks, a claim Islamabad denies.

While no official statement has identified a culprit for Wednesday’s explosion, unverified reports circulating in local media suggested the target may have been a vehicle carrying a high-ranking militant. However, these claims remain unsubstantiated.

The incident follows a series of violent episodes along the Afghan-Pakistan frontier, including reported aerial attacks and border incursions. Reuters notes that recent clashes have led to the closure of key border crossings, exacerbating regional instability. International observers warn that further escalation could draw in neighboring states or nonstate actors, potentially destabilizing the region further.

Analysts suggest that repeated attacks in Kabul could erode public confidence in the Taliban’s ability to maintain security. The government has vowed to identify those responsible and has pledged to bolster security measures in the capital.

As the investigation continues, Kabul remains on edge, with residents awaiting answers about the cause of the blast and its potential implications for Afghanistan’s fragile stability. (ILKHA)