Pakistan Airstrikes Hit Drug Rehabilitation Hospital in Kabul, Islamic Emirate Spokesman Says
Pakistani forces conducted airstrikes on Kabul late Monday, targeting a drug rehabilitation hospital and causing civilian casualties, according to Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Mujahid said the Pakistani military violated Afghan airspace and struck the facility, where a large number of civilians, mostly addicts under treatment, were killed or wounded. He condemned the attack as a crime against human norms and principles. Dr. Sharaf Zaman, spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health, told Pajhwok Afghan News that more than 200 patients at the hospital were martyred or wounded in the strike around 8:30 p.m.
Kabul residents reported hearing jets, heavy explosions and the city shaking, with blasts in the fifth district, according to Afghanistan International. Khaama Press cited witnesses describing large explosions and fires, with several civilians killed at the hospital.
Casualty figures varied, with reports ranging from several killed to more than 200 martyred or wounded. Khaama Press also reported Pakistani aircraft bombing a military facility in Ghani Khel district of Nangarhar province, following Taliban drone attacks on Pakistan.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai strongly condemned the attack, urging Pakistan's military regime to reconsider its policies for the sake of regional stability and neighborly relations.
The strikes come amid escalating cross-border tensions, with Pakistan rejecting mediation efforts by China.
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Where reports agree
- Pakistani forces conducted airstrikes/bombing in Kabul
- Residents reported hearing explosions and jets, with the city shaking
- Taliban officials (Mujahid) confirmed the Kabul strike targeting a drug rehab hospital with civilian casualties
- Attack attributed to Pakistan amid escalating cross-border tensions
Where reports differ
- Specific target in Kabul: drug hospital (Ariana, Khaama, Pajhwok) vs. fifth district generally (Afghanistan International)
- Casualty figures: >200 martyred/wounded (Pajhwok) vs. several killed (Khaama) vs. large number (Ariana)
- Additional strikes in Nangarhar and prior Taliban drones on Pakistan reported only by Khaama Press
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