The Trauma center of Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, in the northern city of Kunduz was hit several times during sustained bombing at 2:10 a.m. local time on Saturday. While the hospital was badly damaged in an aerial attack, three MSF doctors are confirmed dead and more than 30 are unaccounted for, according to the charity's statement. MFS stated that 105 patients, their caretakers and more than 80 MSF staff were in the hospital at the time of bombing.
“We are deeply shocked by the attack, the killing of our staff and patients and the heavy toll it has inflicted on healthcare in Kunduz," says Bart Janssens, MSF Director of Operations. “We don't have the final casualty figures yet, but our medical team is providing first aid and treating the injured patients and MSF personnel and accounting for the deceased. We urge all parties to respect the safety of the health facilities and staff."
Meanwhile, The Taliban's spokesman accused the U.S. of bombing the hospital and killing doctors, nurses and patients. Also Colonel Brian Tribus, spokesman of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said, "U.S. forces conducted an air strike in Kunduz city at 02:15 (local time) against individuals threatening the force. The strike may have resulted in collateral damage to a nearby medical facility."
The bombardment came after the Afghan government on Thursday claimed they had successfully taken Kunduz from Taliban fighters, who had controlled the strategic city since Monday. However, the Taliban claims it remains in control of most of Kunduz.
