Russia, Egypt Warn of Terror Threats in Afghanistan and Central Asia

DID Press: Russian and Egyptian officials have expressed concern over the growing threat posed by terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, Central Asia and parts of Africa during a joint counterterrorism meeting in Moscow.

The discussions took place during the fifth session of the Russia-Egypt Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism, where officials exchanged assessments of regional security threats and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation against terrorism and extremism.

According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, the talks focused on counterterrorism coordination, terrorist financing and the use of emerging technologies by extremist groups.

The two sides also reviewed developments in the Middle East and Africa, regions that have experienced increased activity by Islamic State affiliates in recent years.Russian officials said their assessment of terrorist threats in Afghanistan is consistent with findings presented in United Nations Security Council reports.

Moscow has repeatedly warned about the activities of ISIS-Khorasan in Afghanistan, the group that claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow last year that killed more than 140 people.

Russia has also voiced concern about the spread of extremism in Central Asian countries, particularly Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, noting that a significant number of ISIS-K members are citizens of those states.