CSTO Says Afghanistan-Linked Security Threats Remain Top Concern in Central Asia

DID Press: The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has stated that threats originating from armed groups in northern border areas of Afghanistan remain the primary security challenge in Central Asia.

Victor Vasiliev, chairman of the CSTO Permanent Council, said during a meeting in Saint Petersburg that member states plan to intensify joint efforts to address these threats.

He noted that despite efforts by Russia and several Central Asian countries to maintain contact with authorities in Kabul, the security situation remains complex and unstable.

“We intend to increase joint efforts, including neutralizing armed and extremist groups that have gathered along the northern borders of Afghanistan,” Vasiliev said.

He also raised concerns over sporadic cross-border firing incidents from Afghan territory toward Tajikistan, describing them as a serious security issue for the bloc.

In recent years, the CSTO has conducted joint military exercises and provided equipment to strengthen Tajik border forces along the 1,200-kilometre frontier with Afghanistan.

The organization includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Armenia.