Pakistani Airstrike Hits Kabul Rehab Center; Over 400 Dead

Kabul: A Pakistani airstrike targeted a major addiction treatment hospital in Kabul on Monday night, killing more than 400 people and injuring at least 250 others, according to Taliban officials. The strike on the 2,000-bed Umid addiction treatment hospital occurred around 9 p.m., causing massive destruction to the facility.

Extensive Casualties and Damage

Taliban Deputy spokesman Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat confirmed the attack on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the bombing destroyed large sections of the hospital. “Pakistan’s military regime bombed the Umid hospital… raising fears of even higher casualties than estimated,” Fitrat noted.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the incident, emphasizing that the victims were primarily vulnerable civilians and patients.

Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts

Ministry of Public Health officials reported that emergency teams and rescuers worked through the night to pull victims from the rubble.

• Initial Transfers: At least 170 wounded patients were moved to nearby medical facilities.

• Ongoing Operations: Ministry spokesman Sharaf Zaman warned that the death toll may rise as rescue teams continue to battle fires and search damaged wings of the building.

International Reaction

The strike, described by Khaama Press as one of the deadliest in Kabul in recent years, has drawn immediate international scrutiny:

• United Nations: Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, urged restraint between Kabul and Islamabad.

• Diplomatic Appeals: Former Afghan peace negotiator Abdullah Abdullah called the attack a violation of international law, while former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad called for immediate humanitarian assistance for the victims.