Afghanistan Claims 400 Killed in Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul Hospital

Kathmandu – Afghan officials have claimed that a Pakistan airstrike on a hospital dedicated to drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, caused at least 400 deaths. Pakistan, however, denies targeting the hospital.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Afghan government, posted on social media that Pakistan launched an airstrike around 9 PM on the 2,000-bed Omar Addiction Treatment Hospital, causing extensive destruction. According to him, at least 400 people have died and approximately 250 were injured. Rescue teams are currently working to control the fire and recover bodies from the rubble.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid strongly condemned the attack as targeting a hospital and civilian infrastructure, describing it as a crime against humanity.

Pakistan’s Denial

Meanwhile, Pakistan has rejected the allegation of attacking the hospital. Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stated that no hospital in Kabul was targeted. According to Al Jazeera, Pakistan described Afghanistan’s accusation as “false and an attempt to mislead public opinion.”

A statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information released Monday indicated that the airstrikes in various locations within Kabul and Nangarhar provinces targeted military structures, technical equipment storage, and ammunition depots. The ministry claimed the attacks were carried out with extreme caution to avoid damage to civilian structures.

Videos broadcast by local television, as reported by CNN, show security forces using flashlights to help evacuate the wounded and deceased, while firefighters work to extinguish fires among the rubble.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has called on the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan to intensify efforts against terrorism immediately. The council unanimously adopted a resolution strongly condemning all forms of terrorist activities.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring various militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, which Kabul denies.

Tensions between the two countries have increased since late February. Afghanistan alleged that Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Afghan territory, prompting cross-border attacks. Since then, both sides have engaged in frequent clashes and airstrikes. Pakistan has described the situation as an “open war” with Afghanistan.