Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply after an alleged Pakistani airstrike hit a major hospital in Kabul on March 16, 2026. Afghan officials claim the attack destroyed a large addiction treatment hospital and killed hundreds of civilians. Pakistan, however, has denied targeting any civilian location and says its operations were aimed at militant infrastructure.
The incident has raised serious concerns internationally as rescue teams continue to search for survivors under the rubble.
Massive Destruction at Kabul Hospital
According to Afghan officials, the strike hit the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul at around 9:00 PM local time on Monday night.
The hospital, which reportedly had a capacity of nearly 2,000 beds, suffered extensive damage. Large sections of the building collapsed after the explosion, while fires broke out across multiple floors.
Emergency responders and firefighters worked through the night to control the flames and rescue trapped patients and staff.
Witnesses said the blast caused panic inside the hospital.
Patients were reportedly thrown from their beds as smoke quickly filled the wards. Rescue teams pulled dozens of bodies from the debris while trying to locate survivors.
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Death Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Continue
Initial reports suggested that around 200 people had been killed in the strike. However, Afghan authorities later updated the numbers.
According to Taliban spokespersons and local officials:
- At least 400 people have died
- More than 250 people are injured
- Several victims are believed to be patients receiving treatment at the facility
Aid organizations working nearby said they received multiple casualties soon after the attack. One NGO reported that three bodies and 27 injured patients were brought to their clinic shortly after the strike.
Officials also stated that no military installations were located near the hospital, raising concerns about the nature of the target.
Rescue teams are still searching through the rubble, and the death toll could rise further.
Pakistan Denies Targeting Civilians
Pakistan has strongly rejected the accusations made by Afghan authorities.
In an official statement, Pakistani officials said their military operations were aimed only at terrorist infrastructure and militant bases. They denied carrying out any strike on hospitals or civilian facilities.
Pakistan claims that recent operations were conducted in response to security threats along the border.
According to Pakistani authorities, the strikes targeted locations believed to be used by militant groups in Kabul and eastern Afghanistan.
Border Tensions Behind the Conflict
The alleged strike comes after weeks of growing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Reports suggest that border clashes and gunfire incidents have taken place over the past three weeks.
Just hours before the airstrike, cross-border firing reportedly killed four Afghan individuals, further escalating the situation.
Analysts say the incident could worsen already fragile relations between the two countries and increase instability in the region.
International Concern and Ongoing Investigation
The attack has drawn attention from international media and humanitarian organizations.
Global observers are calling for a transparent investigation to determine what exactly happened and whether civilian infrastructure was intentionally targeted.
Meanwhile, hospitals in Kabul are struggling to treat the injured as emergency teams continue rescue operations at the site.
The situation remains tense, and further developments are expected as officials from both countries release more information about the incident.