Amnesty International Warns Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul Addiction Center May Violate Humanitarian Law

Amnesty International has warned that a Pakistan airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul may violate international humanitarian law and called for an independent investigation.

The airstrike, one of several Pakistan conducted in Kabul and Nangarhar province on Tuesday, targeted the 'Omid' addiction treatment center at the site of former NATO Camp Phoenix. The facility has operated as a civilian addiction treatment center since 2016, with its extensive civilian presence well-documented, according to Isabelle Lassée, Amnesty International's regional deputy director.

Pakistani officials claimed the strike hit an ammunition depot. Lassée said evidence indicates the attack killed and wounded at least hundreds of civilians, despite such claims. She emphasized that the Pakistani army should have taken all necessary precautions to protect civilians and considered the principle of proportionality to avoid excessive harm, even if a military target was present.

The extent of casualties and destruction raises serious concerns about adherence to these principles, Lassée added. Amnesty International has urged Pakistani officials to explain the information used for the strike and the verification steps taken.

The Taliban reported more than 400 civilians killed and over 200 wounded in the Kabul attack. The United Nations has confirmed at least 143 deaths. The organization called for independent, impartial and timely investigations with public results to ensure accountability, and urged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including medical centers.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had previously reported at least 76 civilians killed or wounded since the start of recent conflicts.