Dozens Killed in Armed Attack on Afghanistan's Largest Military Hospital

Reports from Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, indicate that an armed attack on the country's largest military hospital on Wednesday, March 9, resulted in at least 30 deaths. According to AFP, around 50 people were also injured in the attack on Sardar Dawood Khan Hospital, which lasted about six hours. The news agency also reports that the Islamic State group, ISIS, has claimed responsibility for this deadly attack. As reported by Radio Free Europe (Dari section), the attack on Afghanistan's largest military hospital began at 9 AM on March 9 with an explosion. After that, the attackers, apparently three in number and dressed in medical coats, entered the Sardar Mohammad Dawood Khan Hospital. Some witnesses at the scene told Radio Free Europe, 'The situation is dire, and the injured need assistance.' Reports indicate that clashes occurred in various sections of the hospital, including the second, third, fourth, and sixth floors of the building. Earlier, Ismail Kawosi, spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Health, announced that at least two people were killed and 12 injured in the attack on this 400-bed hospital. Ashraf Ghani, the President of Afghanistan, condemned the attack, and Abdullah Abdullah, the Chief Executive of the government, stated, 'I condemn this terrorist attack in Kabul. While we strive for peace, we will take revenge for our people.' The Sardar Mohammad Dawood Khan Hospital is located near the U.S. Embassy, and the surrounding areas are currently blocked off by security forces and police. The recent attack comes one week after a series of explosions carried out by Taliban militants, which left dozens dead and injured. A month ago, at least 20 people were killed in a suicide bombing in front of the Afghan Supreme Court.