CSTO plans to strengthen security measures on Tajikistan-Afghanistan border

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) identifies the situation in Afghanistan as its primary security challenge in Central Asia. This assessment persists despite ongoing efforts by Russia and other regional nations to establish dialogue with the current Taliban authorities in Kabul.

Viktor Vasilyev, acting chairman of the CSTO Permanent Council, stated that complex security issues remain, particularly concerning Afghanistan. He expressed significant concern over attacks originating from Afghan territory targeting Tajikistan, viewing them as a direct threat to a CSTO member state's security. Consequently, the organization plans to bolster its joint measures against extremist groups operating near Afghanistan's northern frontiers.

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In the Central Asian area of responsibility of the CSTO, the main challenge remains Afghanistan. Despite the steps taken by Russia and several Central Asian countries to establish contacts with the current authorities in Kabul, the complex security situation persists.

These remarks follow several security incidents along the Tajik-Afghan border in recent months. In late November 2025, attacks from Afghan territory targeted facilities in Tajikistan's Khatlon and Gorno-Badakhshan regions, resulting in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and injuries to five others. Tajik authorities strongly condemned these attacks and urged the Taliban to enhance border security.

Another incident occurred in late December 2025, where three militants, identified as members of the extremist group Jamaat Ansarullah, crossed into Tajikistan and were killed in a clash with border guards, during which two Tajik officers also lost their lives. These events underscore the persistent security concerns along the border, prompting the CSTO to plan intensified joint efforts to neutralize militant threats.

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We plan to intensify our joint efforts, including measures aimed at neutralizing militants and extremist groups that continue to concentrate along Afghanistan’s northern borders.