Hundreds feared dead as Afghanistan calls attack “crime against humanity”
March 17, 2026: Amid the ongoing regional conflict, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply, opening a new front of violence. Pakistan reportedly carried out one of its largest airstrikes on Kabul, targeting at least five locations. Reports claim that over 400 people have been killed and more than 250 injured. The strikes were said to involve advanced fighter jets including the JF-17 Thunder and F-16 Fighting Falcon, with massive flames and thick smoke seen rising across the city.
Targets reportedly included areas near the Afghan Defence Ministry, intelligence headquarters, the presidential palace, and several residential zones. A major tragedy was reported near Kabul International Airport, where a large 2000-bed rehabilitation hospital was hit and engulfed in flames, causing extensive destruction and casualties.
Afghanistan strongly condemned the strikes, calling them “inhumane” and a “crime against humanity.” Government spokesperson Suhail Shaheen described the attack as completely unprovoked and rejected Pakistan’s claims that only militant targets were hit, further intensifying tensions between the two neighbouring countries.