The government of Afghanistan has reportedly released three Pakistani soldiers captured during border clashes in October following Saudi mediation.
Pakistan has yet to comment on the release of the three soldiers.
Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement the three, who had been captured during fighting on Oct. 12, were turned over to a Saudi delegation that mediated between the two sides and had traveled to Kabul on Monday.
He said the release was decided upon in light of the start of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and reflection.
Afghanistan Releases Pakistani Soldiers in Ramadan Gesture
In line with its policy of positive international relations & marking the holy month of Ramadan, Afghanistan released 3 Pakistani soldiers captured in Oct 2025, following a Saudi request, alongside talks in Kabul. pic.twitter.com/FbfqHj2554
— Muhammad Jalal (@MJalalAf) February 17, 2026
Tension between Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan has been high since deadly border clashes in October killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants, and wounded hundreds more on both sides.
The violence erupted after explosions in Kabul, the Afghan capital, on Oct. 9 that the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan and vowed to avenge.
The fighting was the worst between the neighbors in recent years. A ceasefire mediated by Qatar has since eased tension, although subsequent peace talks in Istanbul failed to produce a definitive agreement and relations remain strained.
