Amid heavy clashes at Afghanistan-Pakistan border, this Muslim country issues BIG statement, says, ‘Embracing…, self-restrain..’
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has issued a statement, calling for "self-restraint" to avoid further escalation.
Tensions in the region have escalated after a clash late Saturday between Taliban forces in Afghanistan and the Pakistani armed forces turned violent, raising fears of a broader conflict. Pakistani and Afghan media noted that the Taliban fighters crossed the Durand Line and attacked several border posts in Pakistan, killing what is reported to be 12 Pakistani soldiers.
What triggered the latest clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border?
The Taliban claimed it destroyed outposts and referred to the operation as an action-to-action response to repeated attacks by Pakistani forces, and described the operation as successful. Meanwhile, Muslim countries called on both sides to show restraint and calm, to avoid escalation.
In the backdrop of violent clashes along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has issued a statement, calling for “self-restraint” to avoid further escalation.
Which Muslim country issued a statement in response to the clashes?
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said, “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 Kingdom calls for self-restraint, avoiding escalation, and embracing dialogue and wisdom, which will contribute to reducing tension and maintaining the security and stability of the region.”
Furthermore, it added, “The Kingdom affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, and its constant keenness to ensure the establishment of security in a way that achieves stability and prosperity for the brotherly Pakistani and Afghan peoples.”
Taliban border forces said that the clashes broke out after Kabul accused Islamabad of carrying out air strikes on the Afghan capital earlier this week. “In retaliation for the air strikes by Pakistani forces”, Taliban border forces in the east are “engaged in heavy clashes against Pakistani forces’ posts in various border areas”, the Afghan military said in a statement, as reported by Dawn. Taliban officials from the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktika, Khost, and Helmand — all located on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan — confirmed the clashes. Islamabad did not confirm that it was behind the attacks, but called on Kabul “to stop harbouring the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on its soil,” Dawn reported.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has issued a statement.
- The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is calling for “self-restraint.”
- Former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad expressed concern over Pakistan’s reported strikes in Kabul.
- Khalilzad called for dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul.
Earlier on Friday, Former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad expressed concern over Pakistan’s reported strikes in Kabul, calling them a “huge escalation” which poses dangerous risks. In a post on X, Khalilzad called for dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul, stating that military escalation is not the answer.
What's Your Reaction?
