The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Eurasianet has reported that growing security concerns along the Tajik-Afghan border have prompted the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to move forward with plans to supply advanced weaponry to Tajik border forces.
According to the report, gunfire exchanges have become
increasingly frequent along the border. The latest deadly incident occurred on
January 29 in Tajikistan’s Khatlon Province, where security forces engaged in a
firefight with suspected drug traffickers. Three suspects were killed, while
others reportedly fled back into Afghanistan. Tajik officials said there were
no casualties among government forces. Authorities also reportedly seized
weapons, ammunition and 73 packages of narcotics, including hashish and opium.
The border area has witnessed a rise in armed clashes in
recent months. Among the most serious incidents were attacks in November,
reportedly carried out by Islamic militants against Chinese workers, leaving
five people dead. Following those attacks, China reportedly paused its
involvement in infrastructure and mining projects in border regions pending
improvements in security conditions.
Citing Interfax, Eurasianet reported that CSTO Secretary
General Taalatbek Masadykov said the organization is preparing to deliver
weapons and technical equipment to strengthen Tajik border guards’ capacity to
prevent incursions by militants and drug traffickers operating from
Afghanistan.
Masadykov said CSTO member states are currently coordinating
the list of weapons, military equipment and border protection systems to be
supplied, while suppliers are being identified and contracts finalized.
The report did not specify a timeline for the delivery. The
CSTO comprises Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, while
Armenia remains a member but has suspended active participation
