“The Pakistani military regime bombed a 2,000-bed drug rehabilitation hospital called ‘Omid.’ Large parts of the hospital have been destroyed,” said Hamdullah Firtat, a spokesperson for the Taliban, following a tragic airstrike in Kabul on March 16, 2026.
The airstrike, which occurred around 9 p.m., reportedly killed over 400 people and injured 250 others, according to Taliban officials. Firtat added, “Unfortunately, the number of martyrs (dead) has so far reached 400 people, and up to 250 others have been injured.” The Omid Hospital, known for its capacity to accommodate 2,000 patients, was severely impacted in the attack.
In response to the Taliban’s accusations, Pakistan’s Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar, stated, “Pakistan’s Armed Forces successfully carried out precision airstrikes on the night of 16 March…targeting Afghan Taliban regime terrorism sponsoring military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar.” Pakistan has denied targeting civilian facilities, asserting that its operations are aimed at military installations.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions and cross-border conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have been intensifying since late February 2026. The Taliban’s Ministry of Public Health has indicated that the death toll may rise as rescuers continue to recover bodies from the rubble.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan previously reported that at least four civilians were killed in a separate airstrike in Kabul, highlighting the ongoing risks to civilian lives amid military operations.
China’s Foreign Ministry has called for calm, urging both Afghanistan and Pakistan to engage in dialogue. “China hopes Afghanistan and Pakistan will remain calm and exercise restraint, engage face to face ASAP, achieve a ceasefire at the earliest opportunity, and resolve differences and disputes through dialogue,” a spokesperson stated.
As the situation develops, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of casualties and damage. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as both nations navigate the complexities of their strained relationship.
