Story perspectives

Afghanistan Blames Pakistan for Deadly Hospital Airstrike

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Afghanistan accused Pakistan of conducting an airstrike on a Kabul hospital, resulting in at least 400 deaths and 250 injuries.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban's deputy spokesman, stated the strike occurred around 9 p.m. local time.
The strike destroyed large parts of the 2,000-bed facility in Kabul.
Pakistan denied targeting civilians at all.

History

Historical Context

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 triggered decades of conflict, displacing over 1.5 million Afghans. Humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, have since provided aid in the region. The November 2021 attack on Daoud Khan Military Hospital, which killed at least 25 people, underscores the ongoing violence and the dire need for accountability in protecting civilians amidst persistent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Story summary

Afghanistan accused Pakistan of conducting an airstrike on a Kabul hospital, resulting in at least 400 deaths and 250 injuries.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban's deputy spokesman, stated the strike occurred around 9 p.m. local time.
The strike destroyed large parts of the 2,000-bed facility in Kabul.
Pakistan denied targeting civilians at all.

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