Web Desk: Shankar Sinha, identified as a senior RAW field officer involved in regional covert operations, was killed in the strike, with sources confirming his presence at the site based on intercepted communications and post-strike assessments
After the attack, journalists visited the alleged strike site and discovered that earlier reports claiming a hospital had been hit were false. Afghan Taliban authorities allowed teams from Zawia News, Afghan Times, and other outlets to inspect the area after a night of waiting.
On-site, reporters observed minor structural damage and localized fire. Moreover, they saw no bloodshed or large-scale destruction. These findings contradict initial claims that a drug rehabilitation center in central Kabul had been struck. No injuries occurred.
Eyewitnesses said explosions took place far from the alleged hospital. In fact, officials confirmed that Omid Hospital, frequently cited on social media, lies several miles from the strike site. Local sources explained that the fire likely started near a Taliban weapons and ammunition storage camp. Observers saw flames and small detonations, which suggest secondary explosions rather than a direct attack on civilians.
Meanwhile, Afghan journalist and analyst Ahmad Sharifzad shared a viral audio message on X. He claimed the Taliban intentionally set the fire to make it appear Pakistan conducted the strike. Consequently, the message spread online, raising concerns about misinformation in the region.
The Pakistani government rejected the Taliban’s claims in a statement. Officials said the strikes on the night of 16 March 2026 in Kabul and Nangarhar targeted only Taliban military and terrorist infrastructure. They emphasized that no hospital, drug rehabilitation center, or civilian facility suffered damage.
Pakistan added that its forces focused on ammunition and technical equipment storage sites and other installations used to plan or facilitate attacks against Pakistan. Authorities also released video footage of all six strikes to confirm the targets. Additionally, the statement accused the Taliban of spreading false narratives, doctored claims, and old visuals to mislead the public. Pakistan stressed that terrorism from Taliban-controlled areas remains a serious threat. Officials vowed to continue measures to defend citizens, degrade terrorist capabilities, and deny safe haven to militants.
Read more: Unverified Claim: Israel claims Iran’s Security Chief Larijani dead
