Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
The Taliban has accused Pakistan of killing hundreds of civilians in an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul.
Some shit you should know before you dig in: Last month, Pakistan launched a wave of military operations against Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, saying the campaign was triggered by a surge in cross-border attacks carried out by militant groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harboring. Pakistani officials argue their objective is to dismantle what they describe as terrorist safe havens and infrastructure being used to plan and launch attacks on Pakistani civilians and security forces. The Taliban government denies providing sanctuary to these groups and instead claims Pakistan is using counterterrorism as a pretext to violate Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
What’s going on now: Authorities in Afghanistan have confirmed that roughly 400 people were killed after a late-night airstrike struck Kabul’s Omar Addiction Treatment Hospital, with about 250 others reported injured. Taliban officials say the blast destroyed large parts of the facility, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid calling it “a crime against humanity” and accusing Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace.
Pakistan has strongly denied targeting a hospital, calling the accusations “false and aimed at misleading public opinion.” Its Ministry of Information said the strikes “precisely targeted military installations and terrorist support infrastructure” and were conducted “to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted,” while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the targets were sites “being used by the Afghan Taliban regime.”
This all comes as China has stepped in to try to calm the situation, with top Chinese officials attempting to mediate between the taliban and Pakistan. In a statement, China’s foreign ministry urged both countries to exercise restraint and return to negotiations. They added that “dialogue and consultation are the only effective way” to resolve the crisis.
