Kabul, Afghanistan – A Pakistani airstrike on a hospital in the Afghan capital of Kabul has reportedly killed at least 400 people, according to Afghan officials, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. The attack, which occurred on Friday, March 13, 2026, targeted the Omar Addiction Treatment Hospital, a 2,000-bed facility, and ignited a large fire.
Afghanistan’s deputy government spokesman stated the death toll had risen to 400 as of early Tuesday, March 16, 2026, with approximately 250 others injured. “Rescue teams are currently at the scene, working to control the fire and recover the remaining bodies of the victims,” he added. Footage from local television stations showed firefighters battling the flames amidst the ruins of the building.
Pakistan has dismissed the claims as “false and aimed at misleading public opinion,” asserting that it only targeted military installations in Kabul and the province of Nangahar on Monday. This denial comes amid accusations from Pakistan that Afghanistan provides safe haven to the Pakistani Taliban, a designated terrorist organization, as well as Baloch separatist groups and other militants who frequently target Pakistani security forces and civilians. Kabul has consistently denied these charges.
Omid Stanikzai, a security guard at the hospital, described hearing jets patrolling the sky before the attack. “There were military units all around us. When these military units fired on the jet, the jet dropped bombs and a fire broke out,” he told the AFP news agency.
The attack on the hospital, which treats drug users, has sparked outrage and condemnation. The development underscores growing regional tensions and raises concerns about the safety of civilians in conflict zones.
This incident follows a pattern of cross-border accusations and clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring militants, although Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty through airstrikes and other military actions.
