Pakistan Strike on Rehab Centre Killed 269 Afghans, Calls for War Crime Inquiry
A Pakistani air strike on a rehabilitation centre near the Afghan border on 16 March killed 269 Afghans, witnesses say. According to the United Nations, the actual death toll may be higher. Families of the victims are calling for the incident to be investigated as a possible war crime.
A Pakistani air strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Khost province near the Afghan border on 16 March is now documented to have killed at least 269 people. Witnesses and survivors who spoke to the BBC said those inside the targeted building were not members of any armed group, but individuals undergoing addiction treatment.
The United Nations Human Rights Office said the actual death toll could be higher than the figure officially confirmed so far. Families are repeating calls for the incident to be investigated as a possible war crime under international humanitarian law. Pakistan's military had earlier stated that the strike targeted only militant positions.
Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have escalated again over recent months. Pakistan says the armed group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan operates from Afghan territory. The Taliban administration has described the air strike on Afghan soil as a 'violation of sovereignty' and demanded an official apology from Pakistan.
More from Asia
Trump Heads to Beijing for High-Stakes Talks With Xi Jinping
US President Donald Trump has departed for Beijing for high-profile talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The agenda includes trade, Taiwan and global security crises. The visit marks Trump's first trip to China since 2017 and the first state visit between the two leaders since his return to the White House.
Explosion at China fireworks factory kills 26 people
An explosion at a fireworks factory in Hunan province, China, killed 26 people and injured 61, according to state media reports.
China scraps tariffs for all but one African nation
China announced it has scrapped tariffs for almost all African nations. This move boosts China's soft power in African states, but may also deepen economic inequalities.