ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan on Tuesday rejected claims by the Afghan Taliban that its forces struck a hospital in Kabul, clarifying that the actual target was Camp Phoenix, located several kilometres away.
The statement came amid Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, launched on February 26 following cross-border firing. Officials said recent strikes targeted Afghan Taliban military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar with precision.
According to a fact-check issued by the information ministry, the Omid Hospital mentioned in the claims is situated far from the intended target, which was described as a military ammunition and equipment storage facility. Satellite imagery was shared to highlight the difference between the civilian structure and the targeted site.
Authorities also questioned the claims, asking why a rehabilitation centre would be located alongside an ammunition depot within a military compound. The ministry further pointed out inconsistencies, including the deletion of a related social media post and the use of outdated images as evidence.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed the allegations as baseless, stating that Pakistan only targeted military and terrorist infrastructure used to plan or support attacks inside the country.
He emphasized that the strikes were precise, deliberate, and professional, and that no hospital or civilian facility was targeted. Video footage released by the government showed explosions and secondary detonations, confirming that ammunition storage sites were successfully hit.
Tarar reiterated that Pakistan would continue taking necessary measures to counter threats from across the border and deny safe havens to militant groups.
Meanwhile, China urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise restraint and ensure the safety of personnel, while offering to play a constructive role in reducing tensions.
The United Nations also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident.
Security sources added that Pakistani forces destroyed Afghan Taliban posts near the Khyber sector using guided missiles and also targeted positions in North Waziristan, causing losses during the ongoing operation.
