The Taliban government has alleged that an airstrike on a drug treatment facility in Kabul late Monday killed at least 400 people and left hundreds wounded. Deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated on social media platform X that rescue teams are currently at the scene working to control the fire and recover victims' bodies, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the incident.

Pakistan has denied targeting civilian infrastructure, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claiming that its armed forces conducted "precision airstrikes" aimed at "military installations and terrorist support infrastructure" in Kabul and eastern Nangarhar province. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's spokesperson, Mosharraf Zaidi, further rejected the allegation, insisting no hospital in Kabul was targeted, which underscores the conflicting narratives between the two sides.

The attack occurred amid intensifying cross-border hostilities over the past three weeks, with Pakistan describing the situation as an "open war" and accusing the Taliban of sheltering militant groups planning attacks inside Pakistan—a claim the Taliban government has denied. This escalation follows months of rising tensions and clashes, raising concerns about regional stability and the potential for further violence.

AFP journalists at the scene reported counting at least 30 bodies as the wounded were transported to hospitals, adding to the grim toll. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council urged Afghanistan's Taliban authorities to enhance counter-terrorism efforts, a move that may exacerbate diplomatic friction in the region given the ongoing conflict.

Source: www.dw.com