KABUL, Afghanistan — A devastating airstrike in Kabul late Monday, attributed to Pakistan, has resulted in significant casualties, with Afghan officials reporting at least 400 fatalities and approximately 250 injuries. The attack targeted a hospital dedicated to drug users, marking a severe escalation in ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
### Allegations of Civilian Targeting
Afghanistan’s deputy government spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, announced that the aerial assault occurred around 9 p.m. local time, severely damaging the 2,000-bed facility. In a statement on social media, Fitrat indicated that efforts were underway to control the ensuing fire and recover the bodies from the building’s rubble. Local media showcased footage of security personnel using flashlights in rescue operations amidst the destruction.
The strike followed a series of cross-border exchanges earlier that day, which resulted in four Afghan fatalities and intensified what has become the most severe conflict between the two nations in years.
Fitrat accused Pakistan of “targeting hospitals and civilian sites,” labeling the airstrike as a crime against humanity. Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid expressed condemnation of the attack, calling the incident an extreme violation of international humanitarian principles.
### Pakistan Denies Responsibility
In response, Pakistan has vigorously refuted claims that it targeted the hospital. A spokesman for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that the strikes aimed solely at military installations associated with groups they claim are conducting attacks against Pakistani civilians. The Pakistani Ministry of Information asserted that their operations were conducted precisely to avoid civilian harm, labeling Afghan claims as false and politically motivated.
As tensions escalate, the U.N. Security Council has urged Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership to intensify efforts against terrorism, amid accusations that Kabul provides sanctuary for militant groups that conduct cross-border attacks. The security resolution, while not naming Pakistan, condemned all terrorist activity “in the strongest terms.”
### Ongoing Conflict
This conflict has roots in earlier hostilities that resumed in late February following an exchange of airstrikes, which Afghanistan insisted killed civilians. The altercations disrupted a fragile ceasefire established in October, leading to significant losses on both sides. Pakistan’s military claims the airstrikes have killed hundreds of Afghan Taliban fighters—claims that Afghanistan disputes, asserting that its own casualties in Pakistani military actions are notably lower.
The escalating hostilities have raised alarms within the international community due to the presence of other militant entities within the region, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State. The fierce cycle of retaliatory strikes further complicates an already volatile atmosphere, with both nations accusing each other of fostering terrorism.
In light of these developments, Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi urged unity in defending national sovereignty. Hanafi expressed condolences for civilian casualties resulting from recent Pakistani actions, stating that Afghanistan is being subjected to an imposed conflict.
As the situation continues to evolve, both nations remain entrenched in accusations and counterclaims, raising urgent concerns regarding the prospects for peace in a region already beset by strife.
Source reference: Full report
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