Twin explosions shake Kabul, Afghanistan

Two powerful explosions shook central Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, around 9:50pm local time on Thursday evening, according to AFP journalists. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the explosions were heard in the city.

In a social media statement late Thursday, the official said the blasts are under investigation, adding that “no casualties have been reported so far.”

He also reassured the public that there is no need to panic, as “no reports of damage” have been received at this time.

The cause of the explosions remains unclear.

AFP journalists on the streets of Kabul observed that security forces were on high alert, checking vehicles in the affected areas.

Mobile phone service was also reportedly down in several neighborhoods.

On social media platforms also, several people reported hearing the explosions and seeing drones.

Earlier Thursday, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India for a two-day visit, a new step in the Taliban government’s efforts to gain international backing, with Russia currently the only country that recognizes the Islamic Emirate.