Russia is set to play a leading role in supplying weapons and military equipment to Tajikistan as security concerns continue to grow along the country’s border with Afghanistan.
Taalatbek Masadykov, secretary-general of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), said the first deliveries of lethal and non-lethal equipment are expected to reach Dushanbe this autumn under a programme designed to strengthen the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border.
CSTO Warns of Wider Regional Impact
Masadykov warned that any major security incident along the Afghan-Tajik border could have consequences beyond Tajikistan, potentially affecting other CSTO members and countries across the Commonwealth of Independent States.
According to the CSTO secretary-general, member states have agreed on a list of weapons and equipment required by Tajikistan. Russia will take the leading role in supplying the equipment and has expressed its willingness to support Tajikistan despite its own ongoing challenges.
Masadykov stressed that strengthening the border is an urgent priority because instability in the area could pose risks to other countries in the region.
Tajik Border Forces Face Resource Shortages
During a recent visit to the region at the invitation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Masadykov travelled with the commander of Tajikistan’s border forces along more than 700 kilometres of the country’s roughly 1,300-kilometre border with Afghanistan.
He said Tajik border forces were working to secure the frontier but lacked sufficient resources to fully address the security challenges.
A five-year CSTO programme aimed at strengthening the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border was nearing approval in November 2024, with implementation beginning the following year.
Attacks and Clashes Increase
The security situation has become more concerning following several attacks launched from Afghan territory into Tajikistan since November 2025. Civilians, including Chinese nationals, and Tajik border guards have reportedly been killed or wounded in the incidents.
Tajik authorities have also reported recovering weapons and drugs from attackers and said that some assailants were killed.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, which borders Tajikistan, has experienced increased armed clashes in recent months.
Taliban forces and the Afghanistan Freedom Front have reportedly clashed several times in Zebak district. In Yaftal, fighters from the Sepahiyan-e Mihan Front briefly seized the district centre before withdrawing, prompting the Taliban to deploy additional forces.
Tensions have also been reported in Nusay district between Taliban forces and fighters affiliated with local Taliban commander Juma Khan Fateh.
Extremist Groups Remain a Regional Concern
Beyond armed opposition to the Taliban, the continued presence of regional extremist groups in Afghanistan remains a concern for Central Asian governments.
Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) remains active in Afghanistan, while regional governments have repeatedly warned about potential threats posed by armed groups operating from Afghan territory.
However, Masadykov did not directly connect the planned Russian weapons deliveries to the recent fighting in Badakhshan during his interview with TASS.