KABUL, Jan 26: A wandering cat set off an explosive warning device, set up to protect the grounds of the US embassy here on Friday, an embassy official said on Saturday.

The explosion was heard through much of the embassy’s neighbourhood in eastern Kabul at around 9:45pm (1715 GMT).

Embassy spokesman John Kincannon said the explosion had been caused by a cat triggering a warning device, known as flash-bangs, set up along the embassy’s perimeter to guard against intruders. “The cat lived, but it was a very frightened cat.”

Concern about security is high at the embassy, which is surrounded by large open expanses.—APP

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...