Afghanistan Says 400 Killed in Airstrike on Kabul Hospital; Pakistan Denies Civilian Target

Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have increased after Afghan officials claimed that a deadly airstrike hit a hospital in the capital city of Kabul.

According to Afghan authorities, the attack took place late Monday night and resulted in a large number of casualties. However, Pakistan has strongly denied that its military targeted any civilian site.

Afghanistan Reports Heavy Casualties

Afghan officials say that the airstrike struck a large hospital that was reportedly being used to treat drug addicts and other patients. The facility had a capacity of around 2,000 beds. Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson for the Afghan government, said the strike occurred at around 9 PM local time.

He explained that the attack destroyed a major part of the hospital building. According to preliminary reports from the authorities, at least 400 people were killed, while around 250 others were injured. Rescue operations continued through the night as emergency teams searched through the damaged structure.

Rescue Efforts Continue

Videos shared by local television channels on social media showed rescue workers using flashlights to search for survivors trapped under the debris. Firefighters were also seen trying to control the flames that spread after the building collapsed. Ambulances and emergency vehicles were deployed to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. 

Officials said rescue teams are still working to recover bodies and assist people who may still be trapped under the rubble.

Pakistan Denies Targeting Hospital

The government of Pakistan has rejected Afghanistan’s claims. Pakistani authorities stated that their military operations were directed only at military or security targets and not civilian areas such as hospitals.

Officials said that air operations were conducted in eastern parts of Afghanistan but insisted that non-military locations were not targeted.

Rising Border Tensions

The reported airstrike comes during a period of growing tension between the two neighboring countries. Recent clashes along the shared border have led to several deaths and increased security concerns in the region.

Afghan officials reported that just hours before the airstrike, an exchange of fire occurred along the border, resulting in four deaths on the Afghan side.

Afghan Government Criticizes Kabul Hospital Airstrike

Afghanistan has strongly criticized the alleged strike, accusing Pakistan of attacking civilian infrastructure. Government representatives described the incident as a serious escalation and called for international attention to the situation. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to deny the accusations, maintaining that its military operations only targeted security threats.