MOSCOW: The Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) has expressed concern over the security situation in Afghanistan, warning that the presence of terrorist groups poses a threat to peace and stability across the wider region.
CSTO Secretary General Talantbek Masadykov said insecurity in Afghanistan and the activities of international terrorist organizations continue to increase.
He warned that militant groups operating from Afghanistan pose risks to security in both Europe and Asia.
According to Afghan publication Afghanistan International, CSTO Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Andrey Serdyukov has also warned about the presence of international terrorist organizations in Afghanistan.
Serdyukov said the activities of these groups are contributing to the spread of terrorism in neighboring countries.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu previously stated that between 18,000 and 23,000 militants are currently present in Afghanistan.
The CSTO has repeatedly voiced concerns about security threats emanating from Afghanistan and their potential impact on regional stability.
