400 Feared Dead After Kabul Hospital Airstrike, Afghanistan Blames Pakistan
A devastating airstrike on a major drug treatment hospital in Kabul has left around 400 people dead and about 250 injured, according to Afghan officials. The Taliban-led government accused Pakistan of carrying out the attack late Monday night, describing it as one of the deadliest incidents in the recent escalation between the two neighboring countries.
The facility, which reportedly had thousands of patients receiving addiction treatment, suffered massive destruction as explosions and fires spread across the complex.
Hospital Treating Thousands of Patients
The targeted hospital was one of the largest drug rehabilitation centers in Afghanistan and had capacity for around 2,000 patients, many undergoing long-term treatment. Afghan authorities said large sections of the building were destroyed, leaving hundreds feared dead or trapped under debris.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing powerful blasts across Kabul before flames and smoke engulfed parts of the hospital compound.
Pakistan Denies Targeting Civilian Site
Pakistan strongly rejected the accusations, saying its military operations targeted militant infrastructure and terrorist facilities, not civilian institutions. Officials in Islamabad described the Afghan claims as inaccurate and insisted the strikes were carried out with precision.
The government also reiterated its long-standing position that militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan operate from Afghan territory.
Conflict Between Neighbours Intensifies
The strike comes during a sharp rise in violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan along their border. Both sides have exchanged accusations over cross-border attacks and militant activity in recent weeks.
Analysts warn that the Kabul incident could significantly worsen relations between the two countries and increase instability across the region.
International Concern Grows
Global concern is rising as the death toll climbs and tensions escalate. International observers and regional powers have urged both sides to exercise restraint and seek diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.
