Kabul: Families in Kabul are still searching for their loved ones after a deadly airstrike destroyed a drug rehabilitation centre, leaving hundreds feared dead and many more injured.
The strike took place earlier this week at a large rehabilitation facility located at a former military base in the Afghan capital. The centre was known for treating people struggling with drug addiction, and many patients were inside at the time of the attack.
Afghan authorities say more than 400 people were killed and over 250 others were injured. Rescue teams and volunteers have been working through the debris, but the scale of destruction has made identification of bodies very difficult. Many victims were badly burned, while others remain trapped under collapsed buildings.
Relatives have gathered near hospitals and the site of the attack, hoping to find news about missing family members. Some said they could not find the names of their loved ones on official lists. Others said they were still waiting for authorities to return the bodies.
The Afghan government has strongly condemned the attack, saying it targeted a civilian medical facility where vulnerable people were receiving treatment. Officials described it as a major humanitarian tragedy.
Pakistan, however, has denied targeting civilians. It said the strike was aimed at what it called terrorist infrastructure and claimed the site had links to militant activity. This has created confusion and raised serious questions about what exactly was hit.
Survivors described scenes of panic and destruction. They said buildings collapsed suddenly and fires spread quickly, leaving patients with little chance to escape. Many were unable to move, as they were undergoing treatment at the time.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the incident. The United Nations and several global organisations have called for a full and transparent investigation. They also stressed that civilian and medical facilities must be protected at all times.
The airstrike comes at a time of rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In recent weeks, both sides have exchanged accusations over cross border militancy. This latest incident has increased fears of further escalation in the region.
For now, families continue to wait for answers as rescue efforts go on. Many are holding on to hope, even as the chances of finding survivors grow smaller.