Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB) on Tuesday firmly denied allegations by the Afghan Taliban that a hospital in Kabul had been struck, clarifying that the intended target was Camp Phoenix, located several kilometres away.
The statement comes as Operation Ghazab lil-Haq continues. Authorities launched the operation on the night of February 26 in response to what they described as unprovoked cross-border firing by Afghan Taliban forces.
Officials explained that Omid Hospital, which Taliban sources claimed had been hit, lies far from Camp Phoenix. They identified Camp Phoenix as a site used for storing military ammunition and equipment. The ministry also questioned why a supposed drug rehabilitation facility would exist alongside a heavily armed military installation, calling the claim inconsistent.
In another development, the ministry raised doubts about the credibility of the Taliban’s narrative after noting that their official social media account deleted a post alleging damage to a drug rehabilitation center. Officials suggested the content may have been manipulated and failed to withstand scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Pakistani security sources reported continued military activity along the border. Forces targeted and destroyed several Afghan Taliban posts near the Khyber sector using anti-tank guided missiles. They also confirmed the destruction of the Jhanda post in North Waziristan, adding that Taliban forces suffered both casualties and financial losses during the operation.
Earlier, authorities stated that Pakistani forces carried out precision airstrikes on militant infrastructure in Kabul and Nangarhar. Officials emphasized that the strikes focused strictly on facilities allegedly used to support militant groups operating in the region.
Amid rising tensions, China called on both Pakistan and Afghanistan to show restraint. A spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry urged the two countries to avoid escalation and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, while reaffirming Beijing’s willingness to support efforts aimed at de-escalation.
