Battle-hardened Syrian Islamists of Central Asian origin have re-emerged in Afghanistan, raising serious alarms across the region, according to The Economic Times. Their presence in provinces like Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Herat threatens to destabilise not only Taliban-controlled Afghanistan but also spill over into Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and India.
Kyrgyzstan, though not sharing a border with Afghanistan, has already thwarted two foreign-backed coup attempts this year, amid rising radical activity. Meanwhile, ISIS is reportedly regrouping in the region and aims to undermine secular regimes across Central Asia.
Tajikistan faces direct threats, with ISIS releasing propaganda videos targeting its government. Russia, in a strategic pivot, has removed the Taliban from its terror list, seeking cooperation against ISIS in the region.
India is keeping a close watch on its northwestern frontier as extremist groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir gain ground in Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh, and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan shows signs of revival. A Tajik national, Sayf-ud-Din Tadjiboyev, has reportedly taken a senior role in the Syrian Islamist army, viewed as a potential rallying figure for jihadists across the region.
Security experts warn: the Syrian battlefield may have shifted, but its fallout is far from over.
