The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has assessed that between 20,000 and 23,000 fighters affiliated with various international militant organizations are currently operating in Afghanistan, underscoring the persistent and complex security challenges facing the country and the wider region.
According to the Ministry’s latest estimates, more than half of these militants are foreign nationals, highlighting Afghanistan’s continued role as a focal point for transnational extremist networks. The presence of foreign fighters not only exacerbates domestic instability but also presents broader implications for regional and international security.
Among the most prominent organizations active in Afghanistan is Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), with an estimated 3,000 fighters. ISKP remains a significant destabilizing force, primarily through asymmetric attacks designed to erode public confidence and undermine security structures.
The Ministry also identified the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as one of the largest armed factions present, with between 5,000 and 7,000 members reportedly operating from Afghan territory. Additionally, al-Qaeda is believed to maintain a contingent of approximately 400 to 1,500 fighters.
Smaller yet active militant factions include the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and Jamaat Ansarullah, all of which contribute to the fragmented but persistent militant landscape in the country.
Russian officials emphasized that ISKP—also referred to as Daesh in the region—remains the only militant group openly hostile to Afghanistan’s current authorities. However, the Ministry’s assessment indicates that the organization lacks the operational capability to seize or hold significant territory. Instead, it continues to rely on high-profile attacks aimed at destabilizing the security environment and diminishing public trust in governing institutions.
At the same time, the Ministry acknowledged that security operations conducted by Afghan authorities over the past 18 months have resulted in a notable reduction in attacks attributed to ISKP. These operations have reportedly disrupted militant networks and limited the group’s operational reach.
The concentration of militant organizations in Afghanistan continues to pose strategic concerns for neighboring countries and the broader international community. The high proportion of foreign fighters underscores the transnational nature of the threat and the need for coordinated counterterrorism measures, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and sustained diplomatic engagement.
The Russian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitoring developments in Afghanistan and cooperating with regional partners to prevent the spread of extremism and ensure stability across Central and South Asia.
