Taliban Condemns Air Force Attack on Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital as Sovereignty Violation—MEA Calls It Heinous Aggression
Omid Drug Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul bombed by Pakistan, killing ~400 addicts seeking rehab.
Pakistan Air Force bombed the Omid Drug Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on March 16 night, killing around 400 people undergoing drug rehabilitation, marking the largest civilian death toll in a single airstrike since ongoing Pakistan-Taliban conflict flared. Taliban administration revealed the facility—a former US military base converted into addiction care center—was hit, resulting in deaths/injuries of addicts.
Attack Details: Hospital Targeted
The strike hit Shinwari Hospital districts, Kabul airport, Jalalabad, targets in Nangarhar province. Pakistan continued bombing Afghanistan past two days from Opioid Drug Addiction Treatment.
Taliban: “Pakistani military regime violated Afghan airspace targeting drug rehabilitation hospital”.
India MEA Condemnation
India Tuesday (March 17) unequivocally condemned Pakistan’s bombing Omid Treatment Hospital “unequivocally” terming “barbaric” “unconscionable.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal: “India unequivocally condemns Pakistan’s bombing of Omid Drug Addiction Treatment Hospital in Afghan capital Kabul on night March 16”.
“This heinous act marks largest number civilians facility no means justifiable military target”.
Taliban Response to Airstrikes
Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman: “Pakistan military regime once again violated Afghan airspace targets drug rehabilitation hospital Kabul resulting death injury addicts”.
Largest civilian deaths single airstrike conflict last year.
Facility Background: Ex-US Base
Omid hospital former US military base Taliban took over end Ashraf Ghani government August 2021, converted rudimentary drug care center large number Afghanistan’s addicts. For more report read here.
Pakistan claims hospital serving arms/ammunition depot response military operation. MEA: “Pakistan trying dress massacre military operation”.
MEA Full Statement
Randhir Jaiswal: “Externalising internal failures” blatant assault Afghanistan’s sovereignty direct threat regional peace stability. Reflects Pakistan’s persistent pattern reckless behaviour acts violence beyond borders.
“We condemn such act humanity strongest terms. Such barbarism must strongly rejected globally”.
Congress President Reaction
Mallikarjun Kharge: “Congress president expressed condolences Afghan brothers sisters. We condemn such act humanity strongest possible terms. Such barbarism must strongly rejected globally”.
Conflict Escalation Timeline
Pakistan’s Justification Disputed
Pakistan claims targets arms depot hospital. Taliban/India reject, call civilian massacre.
Regional Peace Threatened
India: “Heinous act Pakistan also blatant assault Afghanistan’s sovereignty direct threat regional peace stability reflects Pakistan’s persistent pattern reckless acts violence beyond borders internal failures”.
Afghan Drug Crisis Context
Afghanistan world’s top opium producer; millions addicts. Rehab centers overwhelmed post-Taliban takeover.
Omid center served large numbers seeking treatment amid crisis.
Global Condemnation Builds
UN expected condemn; humanitarian orgs decry civilian targeting.
Pakistan-Taliban Tensions
Ongoing border skirmishes; Pakistan accuses Taliban harboring militants. Strikes escalated recently.
Humanitarian Fallout
400+ deaths largest single strike. Injured overwhelm Kabul hospitals.
India’s Stance on Afghan Sovereignty
MEA emphasizes no justification bombing civilian facility. Calls global rejection.
Political Reactions in India
Congress Kharge joins MEA condemning “barbarism”.
Strategic Implications for Region
Strike former US base raises escalation fears. India warns sovereignty violations.
Taliban Airspace Violations Claim
Admin: Pakistan bombed violating airspace past days.
Drug Rehab as Civilian Target?
Pakistan arms depot claim dismissed; facility purely treatment per Taliban.
MEA Spokesperson Key Quotes
“Heinous act aggression”: Pakistan’s strike
“Blatant assault sovereignty”: Afghan violation
“Externalising internal failures”: Pakistan motive
International Community Response
Expected UNSC meet; aid pledged injured.
Future Diplomatic Fallout
India pushes strong global condemnation. Pakistan-Taliban talks stalled.
Afghan Healthcare Strain Exposed
Bombing highlights vulnerable rehab infrastructure amid addiction epidemic.
Verdict: Barbaric Escalation Demands Accountability
Pakistan’s Kabul hospital strike—killing 400 civilians—draws fierce India/Taliban backlash as unconscionable barbarism. Regional stability hangs; global action urgent.