Afghanistan's Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated this morning, October 12th, 2025, that over 20 soldiers died in a conflict that concluded last night following Qatari and Saudi Arabian mediation. Mujahid accused Pakistan of harboring ISIS elements and planning future attacks, claiming "terror centers in Pakistan's KPK" are responsible for recent incidents and that Pakistan is attempting to "export insecurity to other countries." During a press conference in Kabul, Mujahid asserted that Pakistan has "turned a blind eye to the presence of ISIS on its soil" and that Afghanistan "has the right to defend its air & land borders." He further alleged that Pakistan is actively encouraging ISIS to disrupt regional security. These statements come amid reports of the Taliban moving multiple tanks in trucks near the Thorkham border with Pakistan, according to local sources. The conflict's conclusion was reportedly facilitated by mediation from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This development follows previous reports from early this morning detailing Pakistani troops planting their flag on a Taliban border post on Afghan territory, after Pakistan claimed to have captured several Taliban posts overnight. Earlier, Afghan forces claimed to have killed 15 Pakistani soldiers and captured three outposts in Helmand province's Bahrampur district, seizing weapons and ammunition. Previous reports indicated Pakistan had seized 19 Afghan posts, with Afghan Taliban forces killed or having fled. Local tribal leaders and residents in Khurram Agency were reported to have joined Pakistani armed forces, taking up arms for national defense. The conflict has involved continuous heavy clashes along the Durand Line, with Pakistan initiating artillery strikes in retaliation for what it described as "unprovoked military aggression."
