An airstrike on a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 400 people, according to statements from Taliban authorities.
The incident occurred around 9 pm local time on Monday, amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, raising concerns about the impact of ongoing conflict on civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities.
According to Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, an airstrike reportedly carried out by Pakistani forces struck the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul at approximately 9:00 PM local time (16:30 GMT). The facility, described as a 2,000-bed center dedicated to treating individuals with substance use disorders, sustained extensive damage, with large sections reportedly destroyed. The hospital was a previous American military establishment which was converted to the drug rehab centre.
Initial reports indicate that the death toll has reached around 400, with approximately 250 others injured. Rescue teams were deployed to the site to manage the fire and recover victims from the debris.
In response, the government of Pakistan has denied targeting any civilian or medical facility, stating that its operations were limited to military installations. Officials asserted that the claims regarding a hospital strike are inaccurate and alleged that the Taliban authorities are promoting a false narrative to generate international sympathy and attention.
See also:Afghan Women Barred from Medical and Healthcare Education by Taliban
Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur, expressed concern over reports of airstrikes in Kabul, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilians and critical infrastructure such as hospitals. In a statement shared on X,
"Dismayed by fresh reports of Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan and resulting civilian casualties. My condolences. I urge parties to de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint & respect international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects such as hospitals."
In response, the International Human Rights Foundation issued a statement condemning the reported strike on the rehabilitation hospital, highlighting that such facilities serve vulnerable populations seeking medical care and recovery. The organization emphasized that treatment and humanitarian institutions are protected under international norms and should not be targeted during conflicts. It also called for an independent international investigation into the incident, accountability for those responsible, and immediate steps to ensure the protection of medical and rehabilitation centers in conflict-affected areas.
Hospitals and medical facilities are considered protected sites under international humanitarian law. Attacks on such facilities can disrupt essential healthcare services and limit access to treatment for civilians.
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