Over 400 killed as airstrike hits hospital in Kabul, global outrage follows

Kabul: In a devastating incident, more than 400 people were reportedly killed after an airstrike struck a hospital in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul on Monday night. The attack, allegedly carried out by Pakistan, has triggered widespread international condemnation and renewed concerns over civilian safety in conflict zones.

According to Afghanistan government spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, the strike caused massive destruction to the hospital building, leaving over 250 people injured. “The hospital has been largely destroyed, and the casualty figures are expected to rise,” he said in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attack took place late at night when the hospital was crowded with patients, including women and children. Emergency response teams have been struggling to rescue survivors from the debris, while nearby medical facilities are overwhelmed with the influx of injured victims.

The incident has sparked outrage globally, with several leaders and organisations condemning the targeting of civilian infrastructure. Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan strongly criticised the attack, calling it a “war crime.” In his statement, he said, “Targeting civilian homes, educational institutions, or medical facilities is unacceptable. I urge the international community to ensure accountability.”

Former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi also expressed grief over the loss of lives, while cricketer Naveen-ul-Haq condemned the strike and questioned the actions of Pakistan’s leadership.

The attack comes during the holy period of Ramadan, further intensifying emotional reactions among the public. Many have termed the incident as inhumane and called for an independent international investigation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has not directly confirmed targeting the hospital. However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the military conducted “precision strikes” on alleged militant infrastructure in Kabul and eastern provinces, claiming that the targets were linked to terror groups.

The conflicting narratives have raised serious questions about the nature of the strike and the accuracy of intelligence used. Human rights organisations have demanded a transparent probe into the incident, emphasising the need to protect civilians during armed conflicts.

As rescue operations continue, the tragedy underscores the severe humanitarian cost of escalating tensions in the region. The international community is now under pressure to intervene diplomatically and prevent further loss of innocent lives.