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Airstrikes on Kabul Hospital Leave 200 Dead, Urgent Investigation Demanded

3/17/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Airstrikes hit a drug treatment hospital in Kabul.
The Health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman reported a preliminary death toll of 200.
At least 30 bodies were counted at the site.
Pakistan denied targeting civilians, stating its strikes were aimed at militant sites amid escalating cross-border clashes.
Human Rights Watch urged an investigation into the hospital strike.

History

Historical Context

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan began on December 24, 1979, marking the start of a decade-long conflict that resulted in the deaths of up to 2 million Afghans and the displacement of over 1 million. The invasion sparked international condemnation and fueled the rise of the Mujahideen, who received support from the U.S. and Pakistan. Today's airstrikes in Kabul reflect the ongoing violence rooted in this historical turmoil.

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Story summary

Airstrikes hit a drug treatment hospital in Kabul.
The Health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman reported a preliminary death toll of 200.
At least 30 bodies were counted at the site.
Pakistan denied targeting civilians, stating its strikes were aimed at militant sites amid escalating cross-border clashes.
Human Rights Watch urged an investigation into the hospital strike.

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