Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has highlighted the situation in Afghanistan as the primary source of instability in Central Asia.
Speaking at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Council of Defense Ministers in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Belousov underscored the importance of reinforcing Tajikistan’s border security and implementing additional measures to maintain regional stability, as reported by TASS.
“The risk of gangs and terrorism spilling outside Afghanistan is growing,” Belousov warned. “In the Central Asian region, the situation in Afghanistan remains the main source of instability. Numerous radical groups have gained a foothold there, increasing their efforts to promote their ideas in neighboring countries.”
Belousov emphasized the necessity for “constant monitoring and prompt measures aimed at ensuring regional stability,” with a particular focus on fortifying the Tajik-Afghan border.
This statement comes amid Russia’s recent announcement, revealed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, regarding its intention to remove the Taliban from its terrorist lists—a move criticized by the United States as sending a “bad” message.
Analysts have noted that Afghanistan under Taliban rule has become a significant hub for terrorist groups. “Russia, understanding the threatening realities of Afghanistan, has adopted a dual strategy and seeks to tilt the current equations in its favor,” commented Bismillah Taban, a military analyst.
The Taliban has not yet responded to Belousov’s remarks.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Institute for Peace reported that 23 terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, are active in Afghanistan under Taliban control.
