Kabul/Islamabad — In conflict, truth is often the first casualty — a “fog of war” that clouds reality with rumor, denial, and digital distortion. Late Thursday night, that fog descended over Kabul as multiple explosions shook the Afghan capital and parts of Nangarhar and Khost, triggering a swirl of claims, denials, and unanswered questions over whether Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Noor Wali Mehsud was killed in a suspected drone strike.

Night of Blasts in Kabul

Residents of Kabul’s 8th and 16th districts were jolted awake by explosions that echoed across the city. According to local sources, a Land Cruiser vehicle reportedly used by Mehsud was struck near Abdul Haq Charahi (Square), a central area known to host several residential compounds. The strikes, which witnesses say occurred twice in succession, were believed to have hit TTP and Al-Qaeda safe houses.

Tolo News reported that the intersection was sealed off, causing major traffic disruption. AFP journalists confirmed two explosions around 9:50 p.m. local time (10:20 p.m. PKT) and observed Taliban security forces conducting vehicle searches. Several neighborhoods also experienced mobile network outages following the blasts.

Reports later suggested that similar explosions were also heard in Nangarhar and Khost provinces, further deepening the uncertainty about whether these were coordinated strikes targeting multiple militant hideouts.

Conflicting Reports Amid Chaos

Initial reports from Afghan journalists suggested that Noor Wali Mehsud, along with Qari Saifullah Mehsud and Khalid Mehsud, both considered potential successors, had been killed. Afghan journalist Bilal Sarwary wrote on X that “planes have conducted bombings in various areas of Kabul,” adding that “the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, has been targeted.”

However, within hours, an audio message allegedly from Mehsud appeared online, claiming he was alive. He referenced the date as proof of authenticity, but security analysts quickly raised doubts, suggesting the clip might be AI-generated, another example of how technology amplifies the fog in modern warfare.

Further fueling confusion, Wikipedia briefly updated Mehsud’s profile, citing Amu TV, a Virginia-based Afghan outlet, claiming he had been killed in an airstrike in Kabul on October 10.

Official Silence and Pakistan’s Stance on Hearing Explosion Reports

The Taliban government offered only a brief comment, acknowledging that “a sound of explosion was heard” but assuring that “the situation is under control and investigations are ongoing.”

From Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a clear statement, rebuffing speculation that Pakistan had carried out the strikes:

“We have seen the media reports and confirmations from Afghan officials about explosions in Kabul. However, we have no further details on this at this point in time,” the statement read.

The response aimed to put an end to speculation that Pakistan was behind the attacks, speculation fueled by ongoing tensions over cross-border terrorism from Afghan soil. Just a day earlier, on October 8, 20 Pakistani security personnel, including Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif and Major Tayyab Rahat, lost their lives in a militant assault.

However, Afghan academic and commentator Obaidullah Baheer alleged that Pakistani drones or jets bombed Kabul, with “social media warriors claiming they hit and killed TTP leader to justify the transgression.”

Baheer added that TTP later released an audio purportedly from its leader claiming he was alive, “an hour after the strike, saying he’s fine and in KPK.”

Symbolism and Timing

The accuracy of the attack has sparked debate over whether advanced drone technology or intelligence-sharing with global partners was involved. Some analysts view the incident as a sign that Pakistan may be shifting from diplomacy to direct deterrence in dealing with the TTP threat, particularly as Kabul continues to deny harboring militants.

Observers also noted the timing: the strike coincided with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi, marking the highest-level contact between India and the Taliban since 2021.

Journalist Bilal Sarwary described it as “a reminder of Pakistan’s reach and unease over Kabul’s growing warmth with New Delhi.” Unlike previous strikes in remote provinces, this one struck the heart of the capital, signaling precision, and perhaps intent.

For many Afghans, the blasts were not just another security scare,  they were a stark reminder of how regional rivalries continue to play out on Afghan soil. The capital, already struggling to rebuild its diplomatic and economic ties, once again found itself a stage for power projection and proxy signaling.

The Fog That Still Lingers

As Friday morning dawned, no confirmation had emerged about Mehsud’s fate. Between official silence, unverifiable claims, and digital misinformation, the night’s events remain cloaked in uncertainty. The Taliban government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the nature or origin of the explosions.

This is what the fog of war truly looks like in the modern age, not just on the battlefield, but across newsfeeds, encrypted channels, and social media timelines. In Kabul, as in conflicts past, the truth remains the hardest thing to find.