The presence of more than 20 terrorist groups in Afghanistan, including Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), is raising concerns over security across the region, according to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency.
Russian officials have warned that militant activity originating from Afghanistan represents a growing security challenge for neighboring countries and members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), particularly China and the Central Asian states.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said that an estimated 18,000 to 23,000 militants affiliated with various terrorist organizations are currently present in Afghanistan. He added that the number of ISIS fighters in the country is estimated at around 3,000.
The figures have intensified concerns over the potential for militant groups operating in Afghanistan to expand their activities beyond the country’s borders. ISKP, in particular, has remained a major concern for regional governments because of its history of attacks and its opposition to the Taliban.
Russia has repeatedly raised concerns about terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory and has called for stronger regional cooperation to counter the threat.
China and Central Asian countries are considered particularly vulnerable because of their geographic proximity to Afghanistan. Beijing has also expressed concerns about militant groups whose activities could threaten Chinese interests and security.
The latest Russian assessment comes amid continued regional efforts to strengthen security cooperation through the SCO. Member states have increasingly focused on preventing terrorism, extremism and cross-border militant activity originating from Afghanistan.
The reported presence of thousands of militants highlights the continuing security challenges facing Afghanistan and neighboring countries despite the Taliban’s claims that it has prevented armed groups from using Afghan territory to threaten other states.