Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of carrying out a devastating airstrike on a hospital in Kabul that reportedly killed hundreds of people, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing conflict between the two neighbouring countries. Afghan officials said the strike targeted a major drug rehabilitation facility in the capital late on March 16, triggering widespread destruction and heavy civilian casualties.
According to Afghan authorities, the attack hit the state-run Omid hospital, where thousands of patients were undergoing treatment at the time. Officials claimed that at least 400 people were killed and around 250 others injured, with most of the victims believed to be patients receiving care at the facility.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos and devastation, with buildings engulfed in flames and rescue teams struggling to pull survivors from the rubble. Emergency responders reportedly continued to recover bodies hours after the strike, as large parts of the hospital complex were reduced to ruins.
The Afghan government strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “crime against humanity” and accusing Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilians and critical healthcare infrastructure. Officials maintained that the facility had no military presence and was solely dedicated to treating drug addiction patients.
Pakistan, however, firmly denied the allegations, rejecting claims that it had targeted a civilian hospital. Pakistani authorities stated that their military operations were aimed exclusively at militant hideouts and infrastructure linked to terrorist groups. Islamabad described the accusations as “false and misleading,” insisting that the strikes were precise and intended to avoid civilian harm.
The incident comes amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have been engaged in intense cross-border clashes since late February. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of harbouring militant groups responsible for attacks across the border, further deepening tensions.
The conflict has already led to significant humanitarian consequences, including large-scale displacement and civilian casualties. Reports indicate that thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes as violence continues to intensify, while diplomatic efforts to broker peace have so far failed to yield results.
International concern is mounting over the deteriorating situation, with the United Nations urging restraint and calling for the protection of civilians. The latest strike, particularly due to its alleged targeting of a healthcare facility, has raised alarm among global observers about the potential for further escalation and humanitarian fallout.
As both countries continue to exchange accusations and military actions, the prospects for de-escalation remain uncertain. The Kabul hospital strike is likely to further inflame tensions, complicating already fragile relations and heightening fears of a broader regional conflict.
