In brief
In a devastating incident, more than 100 people have died following a Pakistani airstrike at a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul. The Taliban claims the death toll could be as high as 400. While Pakistan asserts the attack targeted militant infrastructure, the UN is calling for an investigation into the incident. Rescue efforts continue amid rising tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
More than 100 people have been killed in a Pakistani air strike on a drug treatment centre in Afghanistan's capital, forensic laboratory sources told the BBC. Some of the bodies were injured beyond recognition, according to officials. Taliban officials have reported significantly higher casualty numbers, prompting calls from the United Nations for a thorough investigation.
Pakistan has denied any deliberate intention to strike the facility, claiming that it had targeted only military installations. Tensions between the two nations have escalated recently, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of providing safe havens for militants responsible for cross-border attacks.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned the airstrike, asserting that the strike was against the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital. We urge a de-escalation and immediate ceasefire, it stated, calling for adherence to international law to protect civilians.
Approximately 2,000 individuals were reported to be receiving treatment at the center at the time of the strike, with fears that hundreds more may be trapped under the rubble. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many family members anxiously gathering outside the facility in search of their loved ones.
Rescue efforts continued as the community grappled with the aftermath. A Taliban spokesman reported that they believe the death toll may exceed 400, although these figures remain unverified by independent sources.
As both nations continue to engage in warfare, the international community watches closely, particularly as China calls for calm and discussions between Afghanistan and Pakistan leaders.
