Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Deadly Airstrike on Kabul Hospital
Afghanistan has reported that a devastating airstrike on a hospital in Kabul has resulted in the deaths of 400 people, with officials blaming the Pakistani military for the attack. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, targeted the state-run Omid hospital, a facility primarily treating drug users, according to Afghan authorities.
Rising Casualties and Conflicting Claims
Hamdullah Fitrat, Afghanistan's deputy government spokesperson, stated that the death toll has "so far" reached 400 people, with approximately 250 others injured. He emphasized that most victims were patients undergoing treatment at the hospital. In contrast, Pakistan has firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that its military "precisely targeted military installations and terrorist support infrastructure" and dismissed claims of hitting a civilian target as false and misleading.
Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Taliban's health ministry, revealed that around 3,000 patients were present in the hospital at the time of the strike. Local television footage showed firefighters battling flames amidst the ruins, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos and destruction. Ahmad, a 50-year-old security guard, recounted, "The whole place caught fire. It was like doomsday," noting he was the sole survivor from a staff dormitory of 25 people.
Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath
Witnesses reported that the strikes began around 9 pm, with anti-aircraft gunfire preceding the bombing. Omid Stanikzai, a 31-year-old security guard, described military units firing on a jet, which then dropped bombs, igniting a fire. The aftermath left blackened walls and debris, with rescue teams searching for survivors. Ambulance driver Haji Fahim arrived to find "everything was burning, people were burning," and was later called back to retrieve bodies from the rubble.
Yousaf Rahim, a patient injured in the attack, provided a harrowing account: "It was a horrific scene. Patients fell from their beds, screaming and running as fire and smoke filled the wards. Thick smoke and dust spread throughout the hospital. Many people lay on the ground. Dozens died instantly, and the critically injured were pleading for help." Dejan Panic, Afghan director of the Italian NGO Emergency, confirmed receiving three bodies and treating 27 wounded individuals.
International Reactions and Escalating Conflict
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed dismay over the reports and urged parties to de-escalate and respect international law, including the protection of civilians and hospitals. This incident marks the third time in recent weeks that Pakistan has targeted Kabul with missile strikes, amid worsening relations described by Islamabad as an "open war."
The conflict, which began in late February after cross-border attacks, has displaced over 20,000 people and stems from tensions over the Afghan Taliban's alleged support for radical militants, including the Pakistan Taliban. Afghanistan's Taliban government denies involvement in cross-border terrorism. China has attempted mediation, sending a special envoy to ease tensions, but without success.
Border Clashes and Continued Violence
Alongside the hospital strike, deadly fighting persists along the volatile border. Afghan officials reported that four people, including two children, were killed and ten wounded in an exchange of fire on Monday. On Sunday, Pakistan stated that a mortar from Afghanistan hit a house in Bajaur district, killing four family members and wounding two others. These incidents highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for diplomatic resolution to prevent further loss of life.
