RASC News Agency: The Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Imangali Tasmagambetov, has raised alarms about the continued presence of numerous terrorist groups in Afghanistan, labeling their activities as a significant security challenge. He further announced that a proposal to bolster the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border will be formally approved on November 28 (8th of Qaws). Speaking in an interview with Belarusian broadcaster STV, Tasmagambetov revealed that the CSTO will deliberate and finalize the border fortification plan during a session in Astana. He described this initiative as a strategic and collaborative effort among CSTO member states, which include Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, aimed at addressing the escalating security concerns in Central Asia.
Tasmagambetov underscored the critical nature of Afghanistan’s evolving security dynamics, stressing its potential to destabilize Central Asia. He stated that implementing the border security program would empower CSTO member nations to collectively safeguard the region and mitigate shared risks. In recent years, the CSTO has consistently expressed concerns over Afghanistan’s security landscape. These apprehensions have prompted the organization to conduct multiple military exercises on Tajik soil, in close proximity to the Afghanistan border.
In January 2022, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon proposed the establishment of a “security belt” encircling Afghanistan to contain emerging threats. Although certain Central Asian states have sought to foster amicable relations with the Taliban following their return to power, widespread fears of terrorism spilling over into the region remain prevalent. These anxieties highlight the urgency of unified regional action to counteract the looming threat of extremist expansion originating from Afghanistan.
