RASC News Agency: In its annual report on terrorism in Tajikistan, the U.S. Department of State has highlighted Tajikistan’s deep concerns regarding northern Afghanistan, which it identifies as the primary hub for terrorist activities and a sanctuary for thousands of extremists and militants. The report emphasizes that Tajikistan’s primary focus is on ISIS and Jamaat Ansarullah, two groups operating from Afghanistan that aim to destabilize the Tajik government and establish an Islamic Emirate. Following the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021, Tajikistan has significantly increased its counterterrorism initiatives.
Tajikistan, which shares an 843-mile border with Afghanistan, claims that northern Afghanistan serves as a breeding ground for terrorism and a safe haven for extremist groups. The report further outlines that in 2023, the U.S. government continued its support for Tajikistan by funding the development of border checkpoints, providing critical equipment, and delivering specialized training to strengthen border security and enhance counterterrorism capabilities. According to the report, Tajikistan participated in more than 34 bilateral security initiatives with the U.S. Department of Defense in 2023. During the same year, the country recorded three terrorist attacks and thwarted five additional plots.
The Taliban’s resurgence has triggered mounting concerns among neighboring states, particularly in Central Asia and Pakistan, about the unchecked presence and activities of terrorist organizations within Afghanistan. In a recent United Nations Security Council session, Chinese and Russian representatives voiced their dissatisfaction with the Taliban’s efforts to combat terrorism, labeling them inadequate. They urged the international community to take collective action to address the growing terrorist threats emanating from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
This heightened regional and global concern underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response to ensure that Afghanistan does not once again become a haven for extremist networks threatening regional and international stability.
