Smoke rises from a shell explosion in the border area during clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, as seen from the Pakistani side of the border near Chaman, Pakistan on October 15, 2025. | Photo credit: AP
Afghanistan has released three Pakistani soldiers captured in a cross-border clash last October, its government spokesman said on Tuesday (Feb 17, 2026).
Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the three captured in the October 12 fighting were handed over to a Saudi delegation that mediated between the two sides and left for Kabul on Monday (February 16).
He said the release was decided against the backdrop of the start of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and reflection.
Tensions between Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan have been high since deadly border clashes in October killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants and injured hundreds on both sides. Violence erupted after explosions in the Afghan capital of Kabul on October 9, with the Taliban government blaming Pakistan and vowing retaliation.
The fighting between the neighbors has been the worst in recent years. A Qatar-brokered ceasefire has since eased tensions, but subsequent peace talks in Istanbul have failed to produce a definitive agreement and ties have been strained.
There was no immediate comment from Pakistan on the release of the three soldiers.
Published – February 18, 2026 07:01 am IST
