Dozens of people have been killed in an air strike on a drug treatment centre in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, which the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan. Many more were injured as the facility was reduced to ruins on Monday evening, with reports of at least 30 bodies carried out on stretchers.
Casualties and Conflicting Reports
Taliban officials claimed casualties could be in the hundreds, although these numbers have not been independently verified. Pakistan denied targeting any health facility, stating that its strikes were aimed at military installations and terrorist infrastructure. Officials at the rehabilitation centre said approximately 2,000 people were being treated, raising fears of high casualties.
Escalating Tensions Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
The incident follows renewed conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, after accusations that militants based in Afghanistan have attacked Pakistani territory. Residents in Kabul reported hearing loud explosions and aircraft activity around 20:50 local time. Pakistan dismissed Afghan claims as “misreporting of facts” while emphasising efforts to avoid collateral damage.
Aftermath and Response
Rescuers continued searching for survivors into Tuesday. The area, formerly a US military base, had been converted into a rehabilitation centre by the Taliban after they returned to power in August 2021. The site housed drug users rounded up from across the capital. UNAMA reported at least 75 deaths and 193 injuries in ongoing cross-border fighting since 26 February.
Also read: Afghanistan claims Pakistan carried out airstrikes on residential areas
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