Taliban on Wednesday announced a temporary suspension of their “military operations” against Pakistan to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday, citing mediation efforts by several Muslim nations.
In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said their security and defense forces would pause what it described as “defensive operations” during the holiday period.
The decision was made in response to requests from intermediary countries, including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar, the statement said.
Taliban expressed appreciation for what it called the “goodwill and constructive efforts” of those countries in seeking to ease tensions.
However, the Taliban emphasized that protecting Afghanistan’s national security and sovereignty remains a priority.
“In the event of any threat, the Islamic Emirate will respond decisively,” the statement said.
The announcement comes amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Taliban and Pakistan that continued for three weeks. The UN has reported that 76 civilians were killed in the first two weeks of the clashes, mainly from Pakistan strikes.
In a recent attack on Monday night, Pakistan targeted a rehab center in the east of Kabul, which Taliban say killed 400 people. Sources have told Amu TV that the attack left at least 200 people dead, mostly patients at the facility.
It was not immediately clear how long the suspension would last or whether it would lead to a broader ceasefire.
Prior to this, Pakistan also announced a pause in its attacks against Taliban, citing mediation efforts from countries in the region.
