Dozens of people are feared dead or injured at a drug treatment centre in Afghanistan's capital after an airstrike that the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan. The hospital in Kabul was struck on Monday evening, leading to immediate casualties, according to a government's spokesperson. In response, Pakistan denied targeting any health facilities, stating it focused on military installations and terrorist support. The site was visited by the BBC, noting at least 30 bodies being carried away as smoke still billowed from the building. With around 2,000 patients in the facility at the time, officials suggest hundreds of casualties may be possible.
The Taliban claims the death toll could reach 400, although these numbers have not been independently verified. Further complicating the situation, Pakistan's ministry characterized its operations as precise and aimed to avoid non-combatant harm, dismissing Afghanistan's allegations as misreporting.
The airstrike comes amid an uptick in violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with United Nations reports noting significant fatalities since renewed hostilities in February. China has intervened, calling for calm between the two nations.
The Taliban claims the death toll could reach 400, although these numbers have not been independently verified. Further complicating the situation, Pakistan's ministry characterized its operations as precise and aimed to avoid non-combatant harm, dismissing Afghanistan's allegations as misreporting.
The airstrike comes amid an uptick in violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with United Nations reports noting significant fatalities since renewed hostilities in February. China has intervened, calling for calm between the two nations.
