Taliban Claims Heavy Casualties from Pakistani Airstrike in Kabul
Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers announced on Tuesday that a recent Pakistani airstrike resulted in at least 400 fatalities and 250 injuries at a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of intentionally “targeting hospitals and civilian facilities as acts of terror.” He stated, “Once again, Pakistan’s military regime has violated Afghan airspace, hitting a treatment facility and leading to the deaths and injuries of individuals in recovery.”
Mujahid condemned the strike, deeming it a violation of universally accepted principles and a crime against humanity.
In response, Pakistan rejected the Taliban’s allegations, asserting that their “precision airstrikes” struck only “technical support infrastructure and ammunition storage facilities” in Kabul. They emphasized that no hospitals or rehabilitation centers were intentionally targeted.
Pakistan’s Minister of Information, Ataullah Tarar, clarified that their focus was on military-related infrastructure, alleging that the strikes were directed at facilities linked to hostile actions against Pakistan.
The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has remained tense, with both countries accusing each other of harboring extremists intent on undermining their governments. This conflict has escalated since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
A ceasefire agreement negotiated by Qatar and Turkey briefly eased tensions in October 2025, but hostilities have since reignited, marked by airstrikes and artillery exchanges, especially near Kabul. The Taliban has frequently claimed that Pakistani airstrikes target civilian sites.
Recently, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari criticized the Taliban for reportedly launching drone attacks in civilian areas, stating they had “crossed a red line.” He warned that such actions would lead to “serious consequences.” Zardari expressed a desire for peace, hinting at China’s involvement in mediating the situation.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged both countries to settle their differences through “dialogue and consultations,” appealing for calm and restraint, though it seems neither party is currently inclined to heed that advice.
Just the day before, the Taliban reported that cross-border Pakistani mortar fire resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to ten others in southeastern Afghanistan. Pakistan countered by indicating that this artillery response followed Taliban mortar fire that led to civilian casualties in its own territories.
