Pakistan Airstrikes Hit Afghanistan, Kabul Hospital Targeted; Over 400 Killed

Taliban: A major de-addiction hospital in the Afghan capital was destroyed in alleged air strikes by Pakistan. According to the Taliban government and local reports, the death toll has now crossed 400, while more than 250 people are said to be injured. The entire area is in chaos, people are in shock.

Was Kabul hospital really targeted?

The Afghan side clearly claims that the Pakistani Air Force attacked Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul. It was a big center with 2,000 beds, where hundreds of patients suffering from drug addiction were admitted. A large part of the hospital collapsed in the attack that took place around 9 pm. Patients, doctors, staff – no one got a chance to escape. Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat posted on Twitter that the deaths had reached 400 so far.

Why such a big attack after the border skirmish?

Tension on the border of both countries was at its peak for the last three weeks. Since late February, Pakistan has carried out several airstrikes in Afghan areas, prompting the Taliban to retaliate. Recently, four people from Afghanistan were killed in firing on the border. Just a few hours later this Kabul attack happened. Now there is talk like "open war" from both sides, Pakistan says that only terrorist hideouts were targeted, but the Afghan side is shouting that civilians and hospitals were targeted.

Is there an attack on the de-addiction center also?

Exactly the same place. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid described it as an "attack on civilians". A large number of patients being treated in the hospital were killed. Some reports said it was in the 9th Police District. There is denial from the Pakistani side—they say the missiles fell on a military installation, not a hospital. But the claims of the people on the ground and the Taliban are different.

What reaction came from Taliban?

The Taliban strongly condemned the attack. "Pakistan army violated our airspace, killed civilians – this is a gross violation of international law and a crime against humanity," Mujahid said. He warned that Afghanistan will take every step to defend itself. A Health Ministry spokesperson also said that the attack completely destroyed the facility.

Has this now become the biggest confrontation between the two countries?

Such a huge devastation has not been seen in recent years. The fighting that started in February has now reached Kabul. Pakistan talked about major action like "Operation Ghazab Lil Haq", Taliban is responding. Hundreds of deaths, attacks in civilian areas – the situation is worsening day by day. Instability is increasing in the area, people are living under the shadow of fear.