Kabul blasts near government buildings, possible strike on TTP leader

Two powerful explosions rocked central Kabul late Thursday night, sending residents into the streets and prompting security forces to seal off parts of the city as officials launched an investigation. The blasts occurred shortly before 10 p.m. local time near Abdul Haq Square and the nearby Shareh Naw and Shahre Nau neighborhoods, close to the international airport and several government buildings, witnesses and officials said.

Residents described hearing aircraft overhead moments before the detonations, followed by bursts of automatic gunfire and the wail of sirens. Buildings shook and people ran into the streets, with some bystanders sustaining minor injuries while fleeing, according to eyewitnesses. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted that an explosion had been heard in Kabul and that the incident was under investigation. He added, "But don't worry, it's all good and well. The accident is under investigation, and no injuries have been reported yet."

Initial reporting from Afghan officials and regional intelligence sources suggested the blasts may have been caused by a targeted aerial strike on a compound believed to shelter Noor Wali Mehsud, the leader of...