A massive airstrike in Kabul has triggered global shock after reports claimed that hundreds of people were killed and injured when a major drug rehabilitation hospital was hit. The Taliban administration has accused Pakistan of carrying out the attack, a charge Islamabad has firmly rejected.
Massive Explosion Destroys Hospital Complex
According to officials of the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, the strike targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a large facility with a capacity of around 2,000 beds. The explosion reportedly occurred late in the evening and caused widespread destruction across the complex.
Visuals circulating online showed a powerful blast followed by flames and thick smoke rising into the sky. Emergency responders were seen rushing through the debris, using flashlights to locate victims while firefighters battled the blaze.
Hundreds Feared Dead and Injured
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the Taliban administration, said the casualties are extremely high. According to him, around 400 people have been killed while nearly 250 others have suffered injuries.
He stated that large sections of the hospital were destroyed in the strike, and rescue teams were still working to recover bodies from the rubble. Authorities fear the toll could rise further as more victims are found.
Pakistan Rejects ‘Hospital Strike’ Claim
Pakistan has strongly denied the allegations of targeting a civilian medical facility. A spokesperson linked to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed the claims, stating that no hospital was hit during the operation.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the military carried out “precision strikes” aimed only at specific targets. According to him, the operations focused on infrastructure allegedly used for militant activities, including ammunition storage and technical facilities.
Tensions Rise Over Militant Activity
The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of allowing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from its territory and carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
The Taliban government, however, has denied providing any support to such groups and has rejected Pakistan’s claims.
Region on Edge Amid Growing Conflict
This latest escalation is being seen as one of the most serious confrontations between the two neighbouring countries in recent months. Analysts warn that the situation could further destabilize the already fragile border region, which stretches over nearly 2,600 kilometres.
The development also comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are already high in the wider region due to ongoing conflicts involving global powers, raising concerns about a broader security crisis.
Authorities on both sides have yet to announce any immediate steps toward de-escalation, leaving the situation tense and uncertain.
