In a security briefing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu claimed that roughly 30,000 militants linked to more than 20 extremist groups, including ISIS-K and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), are currently active inside Afghanistan. He argued that the Taliban have not fully brought under control various armed factions operating in the country, contributing to continued threats to neighboring states such as Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan through cross-border attacks and extremist activity. Shoigu cited ISIS-K as having about 3,000 fighters and noted a string of major attacks in 2025, alongside growing concerns about foreign fighters arriving from Syria, including Uyghur, Tajik, and Uzbek nationals. He also highlighted ongoing narcotics production and trafficking, especially drugs like methamphetamine, as a regional security worry. The briefing referenced recent UN assessments signaling persistent extremist presence in Afghanistan. While presenting these figures as a warning, the remarks reflect ongoing international anxiety about Afghanistan’s stability and its spillover effects. Opinion: If taken seriously, such claims underscore the need for credible, multilateral engagement to stabilize Afghanistan, address cross-border threat dynamics, and counter narcotics trafficking. However, the precision and reliability of militant counts are often contested, and a focus on securitized narratives should be balanced with humanitarian considerations, regional diplomacy, and efforts to support inclusive governance in Afghanistan to reduce the appeal of militancy. A durable solution will require sustained international cooperation, transparent reporting, and policies that promote development, governance reform, and regional security collaboration rather than confrontation alone.
Source: Statement from @AfghanTimes7
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Published: May 14, 2026, 6:27 am
Editorial Note: This article is based on publicly available information and official statements. We strives for accuracy and fairness in all reporting.
