Kabul, March 17: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to escalate. Taliban officials and local media report that a significant airstrike by Pakistan on a major rehabilitation hospital in Kabul has resulted in over 400 fatalities and at least 250 injuries.
According to officials from the Taliban government, the attack targeted the 2,000-bed Hope Rehabilitation Hospital around 9 PM. Taliban spokesperson Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat stated that the airstrike caused extensive destruction throughout the hospital.
Fitrat wrote on the social media platform X, “The military government of Pakistan bombed the 2,000-bed Hope Hospital. Most of the facility has been devastated, and the death toll is expected to rise beyond initial estimates.”
He further confirmed that the death toll has reached approximately 400, with more than 250 individuals injured. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also condemned the incident on X, stating that most of the deceased were innocent civilians.
He noted, “Due to the bombing by the Pakistani military group, many innocent civilians and those struggling with addiction were killed in the 2,000-bed hospital last night. Truly, we are from the Almighty and to Him we shall return.”
Officials from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Health reported that emergency teams arrived at the scene overnight as rescue workers searched through the hospital’s damaged sections. Health Ministry spokesperson Sharaf Zaman stated that at least 170 injured patients were initially transferred to nearby medical facilities.
Zaman told the media, “The rescue operation is still ongoing, and the death toll may increase. Many parts of the hospital have been destroyed.” Local media reported that rescue teams were attempting to extinguish fires and recover bodies from the debris.
According to Khama Press, officials have described this attack as one of the most dangerous in Kabul in recent years. The incident has prompted immediate reactions from international figures.
Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council’s special rapporteur on Afghanistan, expressed concern over the civilian casualties and urged restraint between Kabul and Islamabad. Former Afghan peace talks negotiator Abdullah Abdullah condemned the attack, labeling it a violation of international law and advocating for resolution through dialogue.
Former U.S. Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad also expressed concern over the civilian deaths and called for humanitarian assistance for the victims.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment