Afghanistan, under the Taliban’s permissive control, has become a breeding ground for international terrorist networks, posing a serious threat to the security of Central Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) warned. Ularbek Sharsheev, Executive Committee Head of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure, said militant groups are exploiting the country as a safe haven to recruit fighters, establish sleeper cells, and smuggle extremists across borders.
Addressing the 11th International Conference on the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure of the SCO in Tashkent on November 20-21, Sharsheev emphasized that the Taliban’s failure to curb terrorist activities is destabilizing the region. “These groups are using Afghanistan as a launchpad for attacks, funding operations, and expanding their ranks, directly threatening our Central Asian neighbors,” he said.
Delegates at the conference highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation to counter the growing threat. A global anti-terrorism center in Tashkent was proposed as a hub for intelligence-sharing, coordinated action, and prevention of radicalization across SCO member states.
The SCO’s initiative reflects rising concerns over Afghanistan’s role in enabling extremist networks. By improving regional coordination and counterterrorism mechanisms, the organization aims to prevent the spread of terrorism and safeguard stability in Central Asia.
Sharsheev warned that without decisive action against the Taliban-backed extremist operations, the region faces a growing risk of destabilization, making robust international collaboration imperative.
