RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has voiced concern over the growing tensions and border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with concern the tensions and clashes taking place in the border areas between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the State of Afghanistan,” the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued in the Arabic language.
A statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday stated that the Kingdom urges both countries to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise dialogue and wisdom to reduce tensions and to maintain regional peace and stability.
“The Kingdom calls on both sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise dialogue and wisdom in order to reduce tensions and maintain the security and stability of the region,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry stated.
“The Kingdom also reaffirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development, and its consistent commitment to fostering security and prosperity for the brotherly peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the statement added.
#بيان | تتابع المملكة العربية السعودية بقلق التوترات والاشتباكات التي تشهدها المناطق الحدودية بين جمهورية باكستان الإسلامية ودولة أفغانستان. pic.twitter.com/TSj5Hv0FAI
— وزارة الخارجية 🇸🇦 (@KSAMOFA) October 11, 2025
Pakistan retaliates to Afghanistan’s ‘unprovoked fire’
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army carried out a strong retaliatory response after Afghan forces on Saturday night opened unprovoked fire across multiple locations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, security sources said, escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
According to the security sources, Afghan forces initiated firing on Pakistani territory targeting security posts and civilian areas in Angoor Adda, Bajaur, and Kurram, with similar incidents reported in Dir, Chitral border areas, and Baramcha in Balochistan.
Security sources confirmed that Pakistan Army’s alert border posts responded “with full force,” effectively engaging and neutralising the attacking positions.
Pakistani forces' befitting response to #Afghanistan's unprovoked #firing continues@OfficialDGISPR #BreakingNews #AfghanistanSheltersKhwarij #Afghan #RadioPakistan pic.twitter.com/s7zn49GE5V
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 11, 2025
“Pakistan’s timely and powerful response destroyed several Afghan border posts and inflicted significant casualties on Afghan troops and terrorists of Fitna Al-Khawarij (a term used for the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan),” security sources said.
🚨Unprovoked firing from Afghan side at Pak-Afghan border,a strong ,intense response from Pakistan Army.
Afghan forces carried out unprovoked firing at several locations, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha (Balochistan): Security sources— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 11, 2025
Afghan forces in retreat
Pakistani forces destroyed an Afghan post in a “decisive and effective” retaliatory action after cross-border clashes intensified in the border areas of Kurram.
According to security sources, unprovoked firing from the Afghan side triggered a strong response from Pakistan, with artillery, tanks, and both light and heavy weapons used in the operation.
The sources said Pakistan also targeted camps and hideouts of Khawarij and Daesh inside Afghanistan with precision strikes. “Several Afghan posts and militant formations suffered heavy losses,” they added.
Jet aircraft and drones were also deployed to hit terrorist positions. Loud explosions were heard in multiple locations near the border as Pakistani jets carried out operations against militant targets.
Reports from Teri Mangal, Piewar, and Goi areas in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said Afghan forces targeted civilian-populated areas, causing panic among local residents who remained confined to their homes.
Security officials confirmed that “Afghan forces have retreated from several areas” following Pakistan’s powerful counter-attack, and the operation against militant hideouts is ongoing.
Security sources added that Taliban forces were seen abandoning their positions and leaving behind several bodies before fleeing the area. “Our forces remain on high alert, and the situation is under close monitoring,” a senior security source said.
Security sources noted that Afghanistan’s aggression coincided with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, calling it a “notable and concerning development.”
“This aggression along the border is a notable and concerning development occurring in parallel with Kabul’s political engagement with India,” one security source said.
Tribes rise in arms
Meanwhile, tribal people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s border areas have announced their decision to take up arms against Afghanistan-backed terrorists.
In an audio message circulated in Pashto, tribal elders said they stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the Pakistan Army against Afghan militants.
“Defending our homeland is our duty, and we know how to do it. We have taught these terrorists a lesson before and will do it again,” the tribal representatives said.
