MOSCOW: Russia has voiced strong concern over Afghanistan’s emerging role as a haven for international terrorist groups under Taliban administration.
In this sense, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu stated that nearly 23,000 terrorists, associated with around 20 foreign extremist organizations, are currently operating inside Afghanistan.
So far, Shoigu identified ISIS-Khorasan as the most dangerous group entrenched in the country, pointing to its expanding network of training camps and operational bases in eastern, northern, and northeastern Afghanistan.
In this regard, the Russian official further accused Western intelligence agencies of transferring terrorists from other conflict zones into Afghanistan, suggesting this may form part of a broader strategy in order to destabilize the region.
Furthermore, he stressed that the permissive environment under Taliban governance has been the primary factor allowing extremist networks to reorganize, train, and prepare for cross-border operations.
In such a scenario, the Taliban’s statements regarding ISIS remain contradictory. At times, the group claims to have defeated ISIS cells, while at other times it highlights ongoing operations against them. Independent assessments, including reports from the United Nations, continue to confirm the active presence of ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and other foreign fighters within Afghanistan.
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Russia’s warning underlines a growing international alarm: rather than eradicating terrorism, Afghanistan under Taliban control appears to be providing renewed sanctuary for extremist groups.
