“We are not given the proper information,” said Baryalai Amiri, a witness to the devastating air strike that struck a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul on March 17, 2026. The attack, which occurred around 9 PM local time, has been described by witnesses as catastrophic, with Ahmad, another observer, stating, “The whole place caught fire. It was like doomsday.”
The Taliban has reported that 408 people were killed in the strike, while health authorities confirmed 265 injuries. At the time of the attack, approximately 3,000 patients were present at the Omar Addiction Treatment Hospital, which was established in 2016 to provide care and vocational training for drug users.
Witnesses reported hearing three explosions during the assault, which has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of civilians in the area. The Taliban has accused Pakistan of conducting the air strike, a claim that Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has denied, asserting, “Pakistan’s targeting is precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted.”
The conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan has escalated in recent months, with both sides accusing each other of harboring armed groups. This latest incident marks a significant increase in violence, particularly affecting civilian populations.
Richard Bennett, a representative from the United Nations, urged all parties involved to de-escalate the situation, stating, “I urge parties to de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint & respect international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects such as hospitals.”
The Omar Addiction Treatment Hospital has been a critical facility for many in Kabul, providing essential services to those struggling with addiction. The air strike’s impact on such a facility raises urgent questions about the protection of civilian infrastructure in conflict zones.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact circumstances leading to the air strike and the full extent of the casualties. As the situation develops, further updates are expected from both the Taliban and Pakistani authorities.
