Dozens of individuals are feared dead or injured following a recent airstrike targeting a drug treatment center in Kabul, an attack the Taliban government attributes to Pakistan. The incident occurred on Monday evening, resulting in numerous casualties as reported by the government's spokesman on social media platform X.
Pakistan has refuted the allegation, insisting that its military operations were focused solely on 'military installations and terrorist support infrastructure' within Kabul and the eastern province of Nangahar.
Witnesses at the site noted that over 30 bodies were seen being carried out on stretchers, with officials suggesting that approximately 2,000 people were being treated at the facility at the time of the attack, leading to fears of significantly high casualty numbers.
The Afghan health ministry's spokesperson dismissed the existence of military facilities near the hospital, which was engulfed in flames following the strike. Reports indicated loud explosions were heard across Kabul shortly before the attack.
A Taliban spokesperson claimed that the death toll has reached at least 400; however, the BBC has not independently verified this figure.
Pakistan's information ministry characterized its operations as precise, aimed at preventing collateral damage, and condemned Afghanistan's claims as misrepresentations sought to stir public sentiments in support of cross-border terrorism.
The ongoing conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated recently, with claims from Pakistan of Afghanistan harboring militant groups. This airstrike adds to the violence that has already resulted in numerous casualties.
China, seeking to mediate, has urged both nations to exercise restraint and has recently instigated discussions between their foreign ministers about the tensions.
