The attack, which occurred late at night, caused widespread destruction at the facility where patients undergoing treatment and staff members were present. Authorities say the strike is among the deadliest single incidents affecting civilians in Afghanistan in recent years
Afghan firefighters and Taliban security personnel work to extinguish a fire at the Secondary Rehabilitation Services Centre in Kabul. Pic/AFP
Over 400 people have reportedly been killed and hundreds injured after an alleged airstrike by Pakistan struck a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, according to Afghan officials cited by local broadcaster TOLOnews, reported the ANI.
The attack, which occurred late at night, caused widespread destruction at the facility where patients undergoing treatment and staff members were present. Authorities say the strike is among the deadliest single incidents affecting civilians in Afghanistan in recent years.
Officials from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan reported that the number of casualties continued to increase in the hours following the incident.
Deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said that at least 400 people had been killed while approximately 250 others were injured. Rescue teams rushed to the site, and hospitals across Kabul received a large influx of wounded victims, according to the ANI.
Medical authorities warned that the death toll could rise further as several of the injured remain in critical condition.
Pakistan rejects civilian targeting claims
The government of Pakistan denied intentionally targeting civilians, stating that its air operations were aimed at militant infrastructure and security threats, as per the ANI.
According to Pakistani officials, the strikes were part of ongoing operations against armed groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory. The claims of large civilian casualties have not yet been independently verified.
International community expresses concern
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and concern from international observers and human rights organisations.
Richard Bennett expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and urged both Kabul and Islamabad to exercise restraint, the news agency reported.
He called on the two sides to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and public facilities such as hospitals and treatment centres.
Human rights organisations have also demanded an independent investigation to establish responsibility for the strike and ensure accountability if violations of international law are confirmed.
Taliban warning and risk of escalation
Following the strike, Zabihullah Mujahid issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that the attack would not go unanswered.
His remarks have raised concerns among regional analysts who fear the incident could trigger further military escalation between the two neighbouring countries.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been strained due to security concerns, cross-border militant activity and military operations near the frontier.
The latest strike comes amid an ongoing escalation in the 2026 Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict, which has intensified following mutual accusations of harbouring militant groups.
Diplomats and humanitarian organisations are now urging both sides to de-escalate tensions and prioritise the protection of civilians in the conflict-affected region, the ANI reported.
(with ANI inputs)
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