Afghanistan Alleges 400 Killed in Pakistani Airstrike on Kabul Hospital

Kabul — Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of carrying out a deadly airstrike on a hospital in Kabul, claiming that at least 400 people were killed and hundreds more were injured. The hospital, which reportedly served as a drug rehabilitation center, was struck late on Monday night, causing widespread destruction. Emergency teams rushed to the site, trying to rescue survivors amid the chaos and devastation.

Afghan officials condemned the attack as a grave violation of sovereignty and international law. Many of the victims were patients seeking medical treatment, including vulnerable individuals recovering from addiction. Authorities said that the death toll could rise further as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Local hospitals and clinics have been overwhelmed with injured survivors, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.

Pakistan, however, has denied targeting civilian infrastructure, insisting that its military operations were aimed solely at militant hideouts and facilities linked to armed groups operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad maintains that the strikes were part of ongoing counter-terrorism measures, intended to prevent attacks on Pakistani soil. Pakistani officials stressed that civilian areas were not the target, and any civilian casualties were unintentional.

The strike has occurred amid rising tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where both countries have exchanged accusations of harboring militants. Afghanistan claims that armed groups operating from Pakistani territory have carried out attacks inside Afghanistan, while Pakistan alleges that groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan use Afghan soil as a safe haven. This long-standing conflict has created a volatile security environment, and the hospital strike represents one of the deadliest single incidents in recent months.

International reactions have been cautious but concerned. The United Nations and several countries have called for restraint, urging both Afghanistan and Pakistan to avoid further escalation. Humanitarian organizations have demanded an independent investigation into the attack, emphasizing the need to protect medical facilities and civilians in conflict zones. Aid agencies are also preparing emergency response measures to support survivors and displaced individuals.

The attack on Kabul’s hospital highlights the fragile state of security in the region. Afghan authorities warn that continued hostilities could have severe humanitarian consequences, affecting not only Kabul but the wider region. As tensions rise, diplomatic efforts are being called upon to mediate between the two countries and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of cross-border conflicts and the urgent need for dialogue, restraint, and measures to safeguard civilian lives in volatile areas.