Russia Reports 20,000 to 30,000 Fighters in Afghanistan Amid Ongoing Security Challenges

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that currently between 20,000 and 30,000 fighters are present in Afghanistan, with the country’s military and political situation continuing to face serious challenges. According to the ministry, more than half of these fighters are foreign nationals.

Based on this assessment, approximately 3,000 individuals are affiliated with ISIS, between 5,000 and 7,000 are linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, and the number of Al-Qaeda members is estimated to be between 400 and 1,500. Smaller groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and Jamaat Ansarullah have also been mentioned.

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that ISIS is the only group actively opposing the Taliban administration, although it lacks the capability to seize territory and primarily seeks to undermine confidence in the ruling structure. The ministry added that security forces’ operations over the past year and a half have led to a reduction in ISIS attacks.

In contrast, the Taliban administration has consistently denied the presence of foreign armed groups in Afghanistan and stated that it does not allow the country’s soil to be used against the security of other nations. However, ongoing international reports on the activities of these groups highlight the need for greater transparency and detailed information from Taliban officials, a matter of crucial importance for regional security and the residents of Afghanistan.