A leading human rights organization expressed serious concerns regarding the recent Pakistani airstrike on a rehabilitation center in Kabul, Afghanistan. The strike, which occurred on March 16, targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, resulting in the deaths of over 400 civilians and injuries to more than 200 others. Amnesty International criticized the Pakistani military for failing to take sufficient precautions to prevent civilian casualties during the airstrike.
The rehabilitation center, located on the site of a former US and NATO military base, had the capacity to house around 2,000 individuals. Amnesty International highlighted that a significant number of civilians were killed and injured in the attack, emphasizing the high civilian presence at the facility. The organization called for an independent investigation into the incident to ensure accountability for the civilian casualties.
Isabelle Lassee, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, stressed the need for the Pakistani authorities to provide explanations regarding the decision-making process leading to the airstrike. She underscored the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and urged all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Amnesty International emphasized the necessity of adhering to humanitarian principles to prevent further harm to civilians in conflict zones.
