Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Deadly Airstrike on Hospital Amid Rising Tensions

Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of launching an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, leading to significant casualties. The Taliban government condemned the attack as a crime against humanity, while Pakistan denied the allegations, claiming its military targeted only terrorist infrastructure. This incident marks a severe escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two countries, which have seen increased violence along their shared border. As negotiations for peace have stalled, the situation remains precarious, with both sides exchanging accusations and blame.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 09:39 IST

Accusations of Airstrike in Kabul

On Tuesday, Afghanistan charged Pakistan with conducting an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul, resulting in the deaths of at least 400 individuals and injuring many others. This incident has escalated the ongoing cross-border tensions between the two nations.

In response, Pakistan denied these claims, asserting that its military operations were focused solely on targeting military sites and infrastructure supporting terrorism in Kabul and Nangarhar province.

The attack reportedly struck the Omar Addiction Treatment Hospital around 9 PM local time on Monday, according to Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson for Afghanistan's Taliban government.

This incident followed a series of exchanges of gunfire along the border, which had already resulted in the deaths of four individuals in Afghanistan, marking a significant escalation in hostilities that have persisted for three weeks.

Fitrat noted that the hospital, which accommodates approximately 2,000 patients, was treating many at the time of the strike, leading to extensive damage and around 250 injuries.

Local news footage depicted firefighters battling flames while emergency responders evacuated the injured from the wreckage.

Condemning the airstrike, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, labeled it a violation of humanitarian principles and a crime against humanity.

Conversely, Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting maintained that its military actions were aimed at facilities being utilized against Pakistani civilians.

Pakistan accused Afghanistan of misrepresenting the situation to sway public opinion and hide its support for cross-border terrorism.

Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghanistan have deteriorated in recent months, particularly following border clashes in October that resulted in over 70 casualties on both sides. The border has remained largely closed since these confrontations.

Islamabad has criticized the Afghan Taliban for failing to take action against militant groups operating from its territory, which allegedly conduct attacks within Pakistan. The Taliban has refuted these allegations.

Despite several rounds of negotiations, primarily facilitated by Qatar, efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire have not been successful.