MOSCOW: A report by the Russian intelligence agency states that Afghanistan has transformed into a primary hub for terrorist recruitment and the spread of religious extremism.
According to a Russian journal, the intelligence findings reveal that ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP) is actively recruiting individuals from Central Asian nations into its terrorist networks.
The report highlights that ISIS-Khorasan is expanding its reach by drawing in individuals from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as targeting Russian laborers.
The militant group is reportedly planning attacks and establishing underground terrorist networks across Central Asian countries. Security operations have already led to the apprehension of several ISIS terrorists within Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Furthermore, the Secretary of the Russian Security Council noted that fighters belonging to more than 20 militant groups are currently operating within Afghanistan, posing a severe threat to regional stability.
This development aligns with long-standing concerns raised by Pakistan regarding the presence of terrorist threats emanating from Afghan soil.
The Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has previously emphasized that regional and global terrorist outfits are operating freely from Afghanistan, turning the country into a safe haven and operational center for terrorism.
