Pakistan Air Strike on Kabul Rehabilitation Center Claims Over 100 Lives

Wed Mar 18 2026 05:20:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A devastating air strike by Pakistan targeted a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, allegedly killing over 100 individuals, with conflicting reports on the casualty figures. The incident has escalated tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, raising concerns from the UN.

In a tragic incident, a Pakistani air strike on a drug treatment center in Kabul resulted in significant civilian casualties, with initial reports indicating at least 100 fatalities. Witnesses and local officials claim the center, which housed around 2,000 individuals, was specifically targeted, contradicting Pakistan's assertion that the attack aimed at military installations. The United Nations has called for an investigation, highlighting the need for de-escalation amidst growing tensions between the two nations.

More than 100 people have been killed in a Pakistani air strike on a drug treatment centre in Afghanistan's capital, forensic laboratory sources reported. The Taliban officials cited significantly higher casualty figures, with one spokesperson suggesting the death toll could reach 400. The international community, including the UN, has condemned the strike and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Pakistan has denied allegations that it deliberately targeted the facility, asserting that the airstrike was aimed at specific military targets related to terrorism in the region. This incident follows a month of escalating tensions and border conflicts, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks. In response to the strike, the Afghan health ministry noted that the rehab center had no military installations nearby, calling into question the justification provided by Pakistan.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned the air strike, urging both nations to comply with international obligations to protect civilians. Over 2,000 individuals were at the rehabilitation centre at the time of the attack, prompting fears of even greater casualties as searches for survivors continue. Local reports describe a scene of devastation with access to the area restricted, while relatives of those in the centre gathered outside, desperate for news of their loved ones.

This strike has reignited discussions regarding the long-standing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with calls from international actors, including China, for immediate ceasefire and diplomatic dialogue. Local authorities have yet to provide a full account of casualties, while the situation on the ground remains fluid, with rescue operations ongoing.