“Humanitarian NGOs condemn civilian casualties caused by airstrikes in Kabul and call for respect for international humanitarian law”
Seventeen NGOs operating in Afghanistan are deeply alarmed by the hundreds of victims in Kabul, Afghanistan, following the violent airstrikes that hit the capital on March 16, 2026. We call on the international community to intensify its efforts to promote de-escalation.
These airstrikes come after months of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, marked by regular border clashes and multiple airstrikes.
It is estimated that over 115,000 civilians have been displaced, including a large number of children. The conflict has also led to the closure of borders, disrupting the flow of imports and causing an increase in the prices of essential goods.
The most recent airstrikes, on March 16, 2026, targeted a hospital specializing in the treatment of drug users in Kabul. Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations are still ongoing.
We urgently remind all parties to the conflict of their absolute obligations under international humanitarian law: civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times and should never be targeted in attacks.
We continue our humanitarian operations on the ground, including providing assistance to displaced families and emergency care to those displaced or injured in the latest attack.
