Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul: Deadliest Attack Since Fighting Resumed

0:00Today is March 21st, here's what's making headlines worldwide. Pakistan launched an air strike on Kabul on Monday, marking the deadliest attack since fighting restarted in February. The United Nations verified 143 deaths and 119 injuries at a drug rehabilitation center hit in the strike. Taliban officials initially claimed over 400 killed, while sources suggested more than 100. Both sides quickly traded accusations online. The Taliban called it a crime against humanity, saying Pakistan violated Afghan airspace to target the rehab facility. Pakistan's military insisted they precisely hit Taliban military sites and tear a storage in Kabul and Nangarhar provinces, denying civilian hits, and claiming the center-trained suicide bombers using addicts. Reactions poured in fast, without rage over the civilian toll. Pakistan spokesman accused the Taliban of harboring militants behind attacks on Pakistani civilians, including a recent school bombing.

1:01Taliban leaders denied involvement, blaming Pakistan's internal issues and alleging coordination with foreign powers to destabilize Afghanistan. The conflict stems from cross-border militant attacks, with each side blaming the other for bombings and incursions. Pakistan has grown bolder, openly posting strike videos, while the Taliban has sinned drones toward Islamabad. Threats of retaliation echo loudly, including warnings that Islamabad could face strikes just like Kabul. Tensions simmered despite a promise pause in operations over Eid al-Fitr, urged by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Mediators hoped this break leased the talks, but hardening positions and fresh accusations make a lasting ceasefire feel distant.