Afghanistan alleges hospital and homes were hit, while Pakistan says strikes targeted militant bases only
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have increased sharply after reported airstrikes in Kabul. Afghan officials have claimed that around 400 civilians were killed, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Table of contents
What Happened in Kabul?
According to Afghan officials, the airstrikes took place on the night of March 16, 2026. They claimed that a large rehabilitation hospital in Kabul was hit during the attack. Reports say around 2,000 patients were inside the hospital at that time.
Afghan authorities said a major part of the hospital was destroyed. They claimed that at least 400 people were killed and around 250 were injured. Witnesses said there was panic everywhere, buildings collapsed, fires started, and rescue teams tried hard to save people trapped under debris.
Many of the victims were said to be patients receiving treatment. Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government strongly criticised the attack and called it a “crime against humanity” and a violation of international law.
Pakistan Denies Targeting Civilians
Pakistan has denied all allegations of targeting civilians or hospitals. Officials said their military carried out “precise” strikes aimed only at militant bases and terrorist infrastructure.
Pakistan said the action was part of its operations against groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it claims operate from Afghan territory and are responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.
On the other hand, Afghanistan denied providing shelter to militants and accused Pakistan of attacking innocent civilians. The claims from both sides remain disputed.
Why Has the Conflict Increased?
The tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan is not new but has become worse in 2026. Both countries have been accusing each other of supporting militant groups near their shared border.
In February 2026, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghan border areas, saying it was targeting terrorist hideouts. Afghanistan said those strikes hit civilian areas like homes and religious places.
The situation became more serious after several attacks inside Pakistan, which it blamed on militants based in Afghanistan. After that, Pakistan increased its cross-border military actions.
Countries like China, Qatar, and Turkey tried to reduce tensions, but their efforts have not been successful. A ceasefire agreed earlier has also collapsed.
Humanitarian Concerns Rise
The reported Kabul airstrike has raised serious humanitarian concerns. Afghan officials say hospitals, homes, and important infrastructure have been affected.
Also Read: 10 Patients Dead in Fire at SCB Medical College Hospital in Odisha
If the reported death toll is confirmed, it would be one of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan in recent years.
Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan also reacted strongly. He called the attack “sickening,” especially during Ramadan, and showed support for the victims.
Risk of Bigger Conflict
The situation could become more dangerous if tensions continue to rise. Pakistan has a stronger and more advanced military, while Afghanistan currently has limited military capacity under Taliban rule.
If both sides continue military action, it could lead to:
More cross-border attacks
Displacement of civilians
Increased activity by extremist groups
Wider instability in South Asia
The presence of multiple militant groups in the region is making the situation more complex.
There is still no independent confirmation of the exact number of casualties or the exact target of the strike. Afghanistan claims heavy civilian losses, while Pakistan says it only targeted militants.
The reported airstrikes in Kabul have further increased tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. While Afghan officials claim hundreds of civilians were killed, Pakistan denies targeting civilians.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
