Pakistan Airstrike on Afghan Drug Center Should Be Investigated as War Crime, Says Amnesty International
Amnesty International is calling for investigation of a Pakistani airstrike that hit a drug rehabilitation facility in Kabul, Afghanistan in March, saying it found no evidence the center was a military target. Afghanistan estimates approximately 400 civilians were killed in the strike.
War Crime Allegations
Amnesty International said that a Pakistani airstrike that hit a drug treatment center in Kabul, Afghanistan, in March should be investigated as a possible war crime, as the rights group had "found no evidence to support" Pakistan's claims that the Omid drug rehabilitation center was being used for military purposes or to store ammunition and weapons.
Civilian Death Toll Dispute
Afghanistan has said the strike killed about 400 civilians in the facility. Pakistan has disputed the death toll and has insisted it was targeting a military facility.
Investigative Significance
The investigation represents a significant moment in accountability for civilian casualties in the region. Amnesty International's findings contradict Pakistan's stated justifications for the attack, adding pressure for independent international review of the incident.
Context in Regional Conflict
The March 2026 airstrike occurs within the broader context of Pakistan's military operations and counterterrorism campaigns in the region. The humanitarian implications and scale of civilian casualties raise questions about targeting procedures and civilian protection protocols during military operations.