Russian Defense Minister warns over 20 radical groups with 15,000 fighters in Afghanistan threaten Central Asia’s security and stability.

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov on Wednesday, 28, has warned that Afghanistan hosts more than 20 radical groups with over 15,000 fighters, posing a serious threat to Central Asia’s security. Speaking at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) defense ministers, Belousov emphasized the ongoing danger these groups represent.

He specifically highlighted that radical groups in Afghanistan constitute the primary terrorist threat to Central Asian states. Belousov cautioned that these militants could infiltrate neighboring countries and beyond, exacerbating regional instability. Although he did not name specific groups, he mentioned foreign fighters from the Middle East joining armed factions in Afghanistan.

Belousov further accused Western powers of attempting to impose a strategic defeat on Russia and applying pressure on CSTO member states. He described the military-political situation in CSTO-controlled regions as tense, with escalating challenges faced by member countries.

Russia has also supported joint military exercises in Tajikistan since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. President Vladimir Putin underscored the importance of regional security in a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, stating that threats emanating from Afghanistan require Russia’s active engagement to protect Central Asian neighbors.

The CSTO, comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, has expressed concern over groups like ISIS and radical movements operating in Afghanistan. To address these threats, CSTO members have strengthened security cooperation and maintained close relations with the Taliban to manage border and security risks.