Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul Rehab Centre Kills Over 100, Sparks International Outcry

A Pakistani military airstrike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, Afghanistan, has killed at least 100 people, with the Taliban and local officials suggesting the toll could be much higher. The strike hit the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital late on Monday, leaving survivors and families scrambling for information.

Forensic sources in Kabul confirmed multiple bodies were badly burned or otherwise unrecognisable. Taliban officials reported up to 400 fatalities, though this figure could not be independently verified. The UN has called for an urgent investigation into the incident.

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Pakistan denies targeting civilians

Pakistan rejected claims of deliberately striking the facility, stating that its forces “precisely targeted military installations and terrorist support infrastructure” amid renewed cross-border tensions.

The airstrikes mark the latest escalation since February, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harbouring militants responsible for attacks on its territory, a claim Kabul denies.

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Casualties and devastation

Officials at the rehabilitation centre, which treated around 2,000 drug users, fear hundreds of casualties. Afghan health ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman Amarkhail confirmed that no military facilities were near the site.

Residents reported hearing multiple explosions and aircraft overhead, followed by air defence responses. Rescue teams combed through debris, with visible destruction including charred windows, scattered belongings, and flattened buildings.

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Global reaction and calls for ceasefire

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama) condemned the strike, urging both sides to de-escalate and ensure civilian protection.

China also called for calm, urging Pakistan and Afghanistan to negotiate face-to-face, stressing an immediate ceasefire.

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Background

The rehab centre was previously a US military base and a known hangout for drug users before being converted by the Taliban into a treatment facility after August 2021.

The strike follows months of cross-border clashes despite a fragile ceasefire in October. Since 26 February, at least 75 people have died and 193 injured in ongoing skirmishes, according to UNAMA.

Rescuers continued searching for survivors into Tuesday, as Kabul residents mourned the victims and demanded accountability.