Afghanistan hands over 3 Pakistani soldiers to Saudi negotiators

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) — Afghanistan on Tuesday said it handed over three Pakistani soldiers to negotiators from Saudi Arabia, months after they were captured during deadly border clashes between the two neighbors.

Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Pakistani soldiers were captured on Oct. 12 last year during clashes with Pakistani forces along the border.

They “were released and handed over to the respected delegation that came from the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia," Mujahid said in a post on US social media company X.

Islamabad has yet to comment on the handover. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan deteriorated last year following a series of deadly border clashes.

Mujahid said the decision was taken in line with Afghan policy of "maintaining positive relations with all countries" and in respect of Islamic holy Ramadan as well as to give "a positive response to the request of the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia."

Saudi negotiators arrived in Kabul on Monday.