KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemned” the recent airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, calling for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident.
In a statement shared by the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Thursday, Guterres said patients, medical personnel and facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected at all times under international humanitarian law.
The UN chief expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
Guterres reiterated calls for de-escalation, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and compliance with international law to protect civilians. He urged the parties to resolve differences through peaceful means and dialogue in line with the UN Charter.
The airstrike targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in eastern Kabul on March 16, amid escalating cross-border conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban.
According to the Taliban authorities, at least 400 people killed and 250 were injured, mostly patients at the facility. A UN official, quoted by Reuters, said the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) estimated at least 143 killed and dozens injured in the strike.
Pakistan rejected claims that the rehabilitation center was targeted, saying its strikes hit military facilities and infrastructure linked to militant groups, including those associated with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Earlier, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and international rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW), have also called for an investigation, stressing that civilian facilities must never be deliberately targeted or subjected to disproportionate attacks.
The airstrikes come amid rising tensions between the Taliban and Islamabad in recent months, with both sides exchanging fire and airstrikes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Pakistan says its operations target TTP militants and their support networks operating from Afghan territory.
A temporary ceasefire was announced by both sides on Wednesday for the Eid al-Fitr holidays, following requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Efforts for a permanent halt to hostilities have not succeeded, with Pakistan saying it will continue operations against militant groups operating from Afghanistan.
