Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan Over Hospital Strike
Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of carrying out an airstrike on a hospital in Kabul, reporting heavy casualties in what would mark a major escalation in the worsening conflict between the two neighbours. Pakistan has denied targeting civilians, saying its military action was aimed only at militant infrastructure and security threats based inside Afghanistan.
Pakistan Strike On Kabul Hospital
Afghan authorities said the strike hit a large drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul late on March 16, causing extensive destruction and a high death toll. Taliban officials claimed that hundreds of people were killed and many more were injured after the attack. The hospital was described as a major treatment facility, and the reported strike has triggered strong condemnation from Kabul.
Pakistan Denies Civilian Targeting
Pakistan rejected the accusation that it deliberately struck a civilian hospital. Pakistani officials said their forces had targeted military installations and infrastructure allegedly linked to militants operating against Pakistan. Islamabad has maintained that its recent military actions inside Afghanistan were directed at what it calls terrorist networks and their support bases, not civilian sites or public institutions.
Pakistan Afghanistan Tensions Escalate
The hospital strike allegation comes amid one of the most serious periods of fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent years. Cross-border attacks, airstrikes and retaliatory claims have sharply raised tensions since late February. Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty, while Pakistan has continued to blame Afghan territory for sheltering armed groups behind attacks on its soil. The latest incident is likely to intensify diplomatic pressure for de-escalation as regional powers and international observers call for restraint.
