Web Desk: Local journalists visiting the alleged strike site in Kabul have confirmed that recent reports of an attack on a hospital were misleading. Afghan Taliban authorities granted media access after a night of waiting, allowing teams from Zawia News, Afghan Times and other outlets to inspect the area.
On-site examination revealed no bloodshed or evidence of large-scale damage. Journalists reported only minor structural damage and localized fire, directly contradicting earlier claims that the strike hit a rehabilitation center for drug addicts in central Kabul. No injuries were observed during the visit.
Eyewitnesses at the site noted that the explosions occurred some distance from the alleged rehab center, leaving the facility itself intact. Officials confirmed that Omid Hospital, often cited in social media posts, is located several miles from the strike site.
Local sources indicated that the fire likely originated near a Taliban military camp storing weapons and ammunition. Observers reported seeing flames and small explosions at the storage site, suggesting that the burning and smoke were caused by secondary detonations rather than a direct strike on civilians.
The media visit and eyewitness accounts underscore a major discrepancy between Taliban-linked claims and on-the-ground facts, highlighting that the area surrounding the alleged hospital remained safe and unharmed. Officials say the reports appear to have conflated nearby military infrastructure with civilian facilities, fueling misinformation about the incident.
In another development Afghan journalist and political analyst Ahmad Sharifzad shared a viral audio message on X alleging that the Taliban deliberately set a fire to create the appearance of a Pakistani strike. In the recording, Sharifzad claims it is clearly audible that the blaze was intentionally started, aiming to tarnish Pakistan’s reputation.
The message has quickly gained traction online, adding to growing concerns over the use of misinformation in the region. Analysts say such claims highlight the ongoing information battles surrounding cross-border incidents and underscore the need for independent verification of reported events.
Read more: Fact Check: Claim of Afghanistan hospital strike disproven, target was military site
