Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov has issued a stark warning about escalating terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan, revealing that more than 20 radical groups comprising over 15,000 fighters are now active in the country. He made these remarks during a meeting of the Council of Defence Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) held on Wednesday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Belousov described Afghanistan as the principal source of terrorist threats to the region, expressing concern over possible infiltration of these groups into CSTO member states and beyond. He said that an increasing number of foreign militants from the Middle East have been entering Afghanistan and neighbouring Central Asian nations, exacerbating the regional security situation.
While refraining from naming specific organisations, the Russian defence minister said the situation in CSTO-controlled territories remains tense, with member states facing mounting challenges. He also criticised Western countries for what he termed as attempts to orchestrate Russia’s strategic defeat and destabilise its allies, adding that the West continues to exert pressure on CSTO members as part of a broader geopolitical agenda.
The CSTO—comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan—has long expressed concern over the activities of extremist groups like ISIS and other regional outfits operating from Afghanistan. These security risks have led to increased, albeit cautious, engagement with the Taliban, despite its lack of formal recognition by most member states.
In a significant policy shift, Russia’s Supreme Court earlier this year approved the removal of the Taliban from its official list of terrorist organisations, signalling a more pragmatic approach to safeguarding regional stability.
In response to the evolving threat landscape, the CSTO has intensified joint military cooperation. Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, several joint exercises have been held in Tajikistan, with plans now underway to begin supplying weapons and military equipment to secure the Tajik-Afghan border. The initiative is expected to be rolled out in three phases over five years, beginning in 2026.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also raised the issue during a March 2025 meeting in Moscow with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, stating that Russia cannot remain indifferent to the threats emanating from Afghanistan.
