Taliban warns of response after alleged Pakistan strike on Kabul facility

Kabul: The Afghan Taliban has vowed to launch retaliatory strikes following a Pakistani attack on the Omar Drug Rehabilitation Hospital in Kabul. Speaking to our sister publication, the *Times of India* (TOI), from Kabul on Tuesday, the Taliban's chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed that this attack would certainly be met with a response. He emphasized that retaliatory action would follow. Mujahid placed the death toll at "over 400," adding that "approximately 250 injured individuals have been admitted to hospitals across Kabul." The majority of the victims were patients undergoing treatment for drug addiction. This attack was carried out during the holy month of Ramadan.

What Zabihullah Mujahid Said

Speaking to TOI over the phone from Kabul, the Afghan capital, Mujahid stated that the Taliban government is currently focused on rescue operations and identifying the victims; however, he made it unequivocally clear that retaliatory action would inevitably follow. He said, "Right now, we are occupied with rescue operations, identifying the deceased, and locating the injured. This is a matter of deep sorrow for us. However, this crime—this act of inhumane brutality—will certainly be answered."

Pakistan's Claims Dismissed

Pakistan has denied targeting Afghan civilians. It maintains that its strikes were focused on "terrorist hideouts" within Kabul. Dismissing Pakistan's denials, Mujahid accused Islamabad of attempting to fabricate a narrative to suit its own agenda. He stated, "As a result of Pakistan's aggression last night, a hospital located in Kabul—specifically a rehabilitation center for individuals recovering from addiction—was attacked. The entire building was set ablaze. The hospital, along with everything inside it, was reduced to ashes."

Attack on Hospital Described as Inhumane

Mujahid emphasized that there was no military presence at the site. He remarked, "This is an inhumane act. We strongly condemn it. There was no military presence at this location." He noted that it was a civilian medical facility where people in need were receiving treatment. He further explained that the facility housed adult male patients who had been undergoing rehabilitation for a considerable period. Mujahid added that these were innocent civilians "who had been rescued from the clutches of death at this drug rehabilitation center."