KABUL — Hostilities between Taliban and Pakistani forces have ceased following mediation by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, authorities in Kabul said Sunday, after days of heavy cross-border fighting that left dozens dead and further strained relations.
Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban’s chief spokesperson, said both Qatar and Saudi Arabia urged an immediate halt to the fighting, and the Taliban agreed.
“At the request of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Emirate has halted military operations,” Mujahid said at a press conference in Kabul. “However, we have received reports that attacks were again carried out by Pakistan this morning. If these continue, Afghanistan reserves the right to defend its territory.”
Mujahid claimed earlier that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 25 military posts captured in an overnight retaliatory operation following what the ruling regime described as repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace.
Regional powers, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, issued statements expressing concern over the escalation and calling for restraint. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry urged both sides to “prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint,” while Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Tehran was ready to assist in efforts “to reduce tensions between the two neighboring and Muslim countries.”
In Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan was “committed to defending its national interests and territorial integrity,” accusing what he called “foriegn terrorists supported by India” of launching attacks from Afghan soil, claims the Taliban in Kabul has rejected.
Tensions surged after Pakistan reportedly carried out strikes in Kabul and Paktika province last week. In response, Taliban’s Defense Ministry said it launched retaliatory attacks on Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line, continuing until midnight before the ceasefire took effect.
