Russia Warns Afghanistan Remains Serious Security Threat to Neighbors
Russia’s Director of the Department for New Challenges and Threats at the Foreign Ministry has stated that the security situation in Afghanistan remains critical, posing a serious threat, especially to its close neighbors.
Peter Ilyichev made these remarks at the 19th meeting of the heads of anti-terrorism structures of the CIS member states. According to TASS news agency, he said that currently about 20 terrorist groups with between 20,000 and 23,000 militants operate in various parts of Afghanistan.
The Russian official noted that some of these groups use advanced technologies, including commercial satellite communications, and there are signs of attempts to employ artificial intelligence. He warned that the risk of cross-border attacks has increased, with militants striving to push vulnerable segments of populations in neighboring countries toward extremism.
Ilyichev also reported strengthened ties between terrorist groups and organized crime networks, adding that these groups finance themselves through drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, trafficking in precious stones and metals, as well as wildlife smuggling.
These warnings come while the Taliban administration has repeatedly emphasized that no terrorist groups are allowed to operate in Afghanistan and that its territory will not be used against neighboring countries. However, ongoing regional reports about the presence and movements of armed groups raise serious questions about the Taliban’s actual security control over all parts of the country and its practical commitment to regional security.
Russia and the Taliban administration recently signed a military-technical cooperation agreement, a pact that has gained increased significance amid growing regional security concerns.
