 |
| The rehabilitation centre was razed to the ground in the strike (Image: Reuters) |
According to sources from forensic laboratories, a Pakistani air strike on a drug treatment center in the capital of Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of more than 100 individuals. According to sources at the Kabul Forensic Medicine department, some of the bodies were so badly injured that they could not be identified. Taliban officials have put casualty figures much higher. The United Nations demanded a speedy investigation. Pakistan denied striking the facility deliberately, saying it had "precisely targeted military installations and terrorist support infrastructure".
Read More: Pakistan's Agha reprimanded after controversial run out
Pakistan claimed that Afghanistan was hosting militants who attacked its territory, while Kabul denied this, rekindling the border conflict last month.
 |
| The scene of a destroyed drug addiction treatment centre in Kabul (Image: EPA) |
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama) condemned the strike, which it said had been carried out by Pakistani forces on the
Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital.
According to a statement, "Unama reiterates its call for de-escalation and an immediate ceasefire, as well as for parties to comply with their obligations under
international law to ensure the protection of civilians." Some 2,000 people were being treated at the rehab centre, according to officials at the facility, who believe there could be hundreds of casualties.
Sharafat Zaman Amarkhail, the spokesman for the
Afghan health ministry, told the BBC that the rehabilitation center was not near any military facilities. On Monday, around 20:50 (16:20 GMT), residents in Kabul reported hearing loud explosions, which were followed by the sounds of aircraft and air defense systems. Outside, relatives of those receiving treatment at the center gathered in an effort to learn as much as possible about their loved ones. A
Taliban government spokesman said the death toll had reached at least 400, but the BBC has not independently verified the numbers. A BBC reporter at the scene saw more than 30 bodies carried out on stretchers on Monday evening.
Pakistan's information ministry said the strikes in Kabul and the eastern province of
Nangarhar had been "precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted".
"Misreporting of facts... [that] seeks to stir sentiments, covering illegitimate support to cross-border terrorism," it said of Afghanistan's claim. The area where the strike took place used to be a US military base and was known for being a popular spot for drug users. The location was transformed into a rehabilitation center by the Taliban upon their return to power in August 2021, housing people rounded up from all over the capital. Through Tuesday, rescue workers continued to look for survivors. In the morning, the extent of the damage - flattened debris littered with blankets and shoes beside charred, blown-out windows - was visible.
 |
| A soldier walks at the site of the drug rehabilitation centre (Image: Reuters) |
The latest violence follows months of clashes, despite the two sides agreeing to a ceasefire in October.
Unama reports that from 26 February to 13 March, cross-border fighting between the two countries continued, resulting in at least 75 deaths and 193 injuries in Afghanistan. China, which has attempted to ease tensions, claimed last week that its
Foreign Minister Wang Yi had phone conversations with his Afghan and Pakistani counterparts. Beijing urged the two nations to "remain calm and exercise restraint [and] to engage face to face" as soon as possible, calling for a ceasefire "at the earliest opportunity."
 |
| Officials say thousands of people were being treated for drug addiction at the rehab facility (Image: Getty Images) |
Source: BBC
Posts
0 Comments