Islamabad: Pakistan announced on Tuesday that it executed precision airstrikes targeting Afghan military installations in Kabul and the eastern province of Nangarhar. The strikes were aimed at technical support infrastructure and ammunition storage facilities, dismissing Afghan claims that a drug rehabilitation facility was hit.
According to Anadolu Agency, Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, confirmed that the airstrikes had successfully destroyed key military assets in Kabul. "The visible secondary detonations after the strikes clearly indicate the presence of large ammunition depots," stated Tarar on the US social media platform X, where he also shared a video of the operation.
In addition to the strikes in Kabul, Pakistan's armed forces targeted four Afghan Taliban military sites in Nangarhar. These sites were reportedly used to support terrorism, and the strikes successfully dismantled associated logistics, ammunition, and technical infrastructure.
Tarar emphasized that the targets were carefully selected and limited to infrastructure allegedly used by Afghan authorities to support militants operating against Pakistan. He refuted claims made by the Afghan administration that a drug rehabilitation facility was hit, labeling such accusations as "false" and an attempt to divert attention from Afghanistan's alleged support for regional militancy.
Earlier, Afghan Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat reported significant casualties, claiming that a Pakistani airstrike on a Kabul-based drug rehabilitation facility resulted in at least 400 deaths and approximately 250 injuries. Fitrat noted the destruction of large sections of the facility and cautioned that the death toll might rise.
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated following recent border conflicts, which resulted in casualties and property damage. Since late February, 107 individuals have died in cross-border clashes, including both military personnel and civilians from Pakistan. Afghanistan reports 13 soldiers and 76 civilian fatalities, not accounting for the latest casualties claimed by Afghan authorities.
According to UN data, between February 26 and March 5, Afghanistan witnessed 185 civilian casualties, including 56 deaths due to indirect fire and aerial attacks.