400 Killed, 250 Injured in Afghanistan: Airstrike by Pakistan
An airstrike on a hospital in Kabul has escalated tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with both sides blaming each other for the attack.
Tensions between Pakistan and the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have increased in recent weeks, leading to serious conflict in the region. Pakistan has claimed that TTP militants are hiding in Afghanistan, and carried out airstrikes inside Afghan territory in late February 2026 targeting these groups.
However, Afghanistan, which is currently ruled by the Taliban, has strongly denied these claims. Afghan authorities said the strikes were hitting civilians instead of terrorists. In response, Afghan forces reportedly fired at Pakistani border posts and launched counter-attacks.
On the night of 16 March 2026, a major airstrike hit a large hospital in Kabul called the Omid Drug Rehabilitation Centre. The hospital had around 2,000 to 3,000 patients undergoing treatment for drug addiction at the time.
The strike took place around 9 pm and caused massive destruction. Buildings collapsed, fires broke out, and many people were trapped inside. Survivors described the situation as chaotic, with smoke, flames and people crying for help under the debris.
According to Afghan officials, more than 400 people were killed and around 250 were injured in the attack. They blamed Pakistan for carrying out the strike and called it a serious crime, stating that a civilian hospital was directly targeted and there were no military bases nearby.
Pakistan has denied these allegations. It said that its airstrikes were aimed only at militant targets, not civilians or hospitals. According to Pakistan, the intended target was a nearby ammunition storage or militant facility, and not the hospital itself. It also suggested that the Afghan side may be spreading incorrect information.
Due to these conflicting claims, there are currently two different versions of what happened. The situation has increased tensions between the two countries.
India has condemned the attack, calling it a barbaric and cowardly act, especially as it took place during the holy month of Ramzan, which is considered a time of peace by Muslims.
Some reports and opinions have also suggested that Pakistan may be acting under pressure from the United States. This is linked to claims that US President Donald Trump is interested in regaining control of the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Recently, reports of an airstrike near the base and related satellite images have also gone viral, adding to the tensions in the region.
