Russia Warns Afghanistan Remains a Major Source of Regional Terrorist Threats

Russia’s Defense Minister has declared that Afghanistan continues to be one of the primary sources of terrorist threats in the region, with the country’s unstable situation fostering cross-border crimes.

Andrei Belousov made these remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers’ meeting held in Bishkek. According to TASS news agency, he emphasized that the ongoing developments in Afghanistan require serious attention from regional countries and that joint cooperation to counter security threats must be strengthened.

Belousov also described the military presence of countries outside the region in Central Asia as “unacceptable,” stating that Moscow is closely monitoring these countries’ efforts to establish military bases and address logistical issues in Central Asia.

The SCO defense ministers’ meeting takes place amid security concerns, particularly regarding the situation in Afghanistan, which is central to discussions among participating officials. Over the past four years, despite the Taliban administration’s commitments to ensuring security and preventing the use of Afghan territory against other countries, regional concerns about extremist groups’ activities and organized crimes persist. Neighboring countries continue to demand practical and transparent measures in this regard.