Afghanistan FM Vows Response After Kabul Airstrike Blamed on Pakistan

In a stern response to the recent airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi declared that the nation will defend its territory against imposed conflict. The remarks follow allegations that the military of Pakistan carried out an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, resulting in over 400 fatalities. During a meeting with ambassadors and representatives of international organizations in Kabul, Muttaqi emphasized that while Afghans desire peace, they are prepared to respond to any aggression.

Muttaqi specified that the airstrike occurred around 9:00 p.m. local time, involving both military aircraft and drones from Pakistan’s military. He stated, “Last night, at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time, military aircraft and drones of the Pakistani military regime conducted an attack on the peaceful city of Kabul.” He lamented that, similar to prior incidents, civilian locations were targeted.

The attack reportedly struck a drug rehabilitation facility, impacting individuals grappling with substance addiction. Many of these individuals had been receiving treatment through initiatives established by the Afghan government alongside international humanitarian organizations. According to preliminary statistics provided by Muttaqi, at least 408 individuals undergoing treatment were killed, with over 265 sustaining injuries. He cautioned that these figures might increase further.

Muttaqi condemned the airstrike, accusing the Pakistani military of violating Islamic and humanitarian principles of warfare. He remarked, “This incident demonstrates that the Pakistani military apparatus shows no regard for Islamic or humanitarian principles of warfare and deliberately targets civilian and humanitarian facilities.” Furthermore, he highlighted that the attack transpired during the concluding days of Ramadan and just before Eid al-Fitr, indicating a lack of respect for human and religious tenets.

He characterized the strike as part of a troubling trend of Pakistani military aggression, citing ongoing violations of Afghan airspace in recent years. He detailed a series of Pakistani military actions since February, which included previous bombings that targeted civilian sites and resulted in 15 casualties, among them women and children. Violations were also noted in various Afghan provinces, including Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Parwan, Kunar, Laghman, and Kandahar.

In response to these actions, Afghan security forces enacted “proportionate and reciprocal defensive measures,” focusing on military objectives exclusively. Muttaqi urged the international community, regional authorities, and religious leaders to denounce the airstrike and oppose violence directed at civilians. He stated, “It is the duty of all responsible states, organizations committed to human values, global and especially Muslim public opinion, religious scholars, media outlets, and all of humanity to raise their voices against this inhumane and oppressive act.”

The incident, which resulted in over 400 deaths and numerous injuries, has been characterized as one of the most devastating attacks on civilians in Afghanistan in recent history. Reports indicate that many victims were patients and staff present at the rehabilitation center during the airstrike. This event is poised to further strain the already delicate relationship between Kabul and Islamabad. Observers have cautioned that such incidents could undermine efforts to sustain stability within Afghanistan, which has faced ongoing turmoil since the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces in 2021.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share