Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Deadly Hospital Strike in Kabul
Afghanistan has formally accused Pakistan of killing more than 200 individuals in a targeted strike on a hospital in Kabul that specializes in treating drug addicts. This allegation comes as a direct contradiction to Pakistan's earlier statements, which dismissed claims of attacking a hospital and asserted that its military operations in the capital and eastern Afghanistan on Monday did not impact any civilian locations.
Health Ministry Details the Attack
Sharafat Zaman, the spokesperson for Afghanistan's health ministry, provided the death toll during an interview broadcast on state television and shared on social media platform X. He emphasized that the drug treatment facility was completely destroyed in the assault. According to Zaman, approximately 3,000 drug users were undergoing treatment at the center at the time of the attack, highlighting the scale of the potential humanitarian impact.
Afghan television stations have circulated footage showing firefighters battling intense flames amidst the ruins of the building, underscoring the severity of the damage. This visual evidence adds a stark dimension to the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Escalating Tensions and Historical Context
The strike occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with Pakistan declaring an "open war" against Afghanistan on February 27, following limited airstrikes conducted on February 21. Islamabad frequently accuses Afghanistan, under Taliban rule since August 2021, of harboring militants responsible for terrorist attacks—a claim that the Taliban government consistently denies.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the long-standing disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, raising concerns about civilian safety and regional stability. As both countries exchange accusations, the international community watches closely for further developments and potential diplomatic repercussions.
The breaking nature of this story means that details are still emerging, and updates are expected as more information becomes available. Authorities and media outlets continue to monitor the situation, with efforts focused on verifying facts and assessing the full extent of the casualties and destruction.
