The Kabul Tribune (KT) — TASS reported that between 18,000 and 23,000 militants affiliated with more than 20 groups are currently operating in Afghanistan, according to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu.
Shoigu made the remarks during the 21st meeting of security
officials from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, where he
highlighted Afghanistan’s importance to regional security.
“The situation in Afghanistan is of particular importance
for ensuring security in the SCO space,” Shoigu said, citing threats such as
terrorism and drug trafficking originating from the country.
He noted that Taliban forces are engaged in ongoing
operations against the Islamic State group, describing it as a key ideological
and political rival. According to Shoigu, the group has approximately 3,000
members in Afghanistan.
Shoigu added that in 2025, Islamic State carried out 12
major attacks in Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 40 military personnel
and 25 civilians, while more than 50 others were wounded.
He also warned of an increase in the arrival of foreign
militants — including individuals of Uyghur, Tajik, and Uzbek origin — from
Syria, particularly from groups previously linked to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
While Taliban security agencies are monitoring incoming
fighters, Shoigu said some militants remain outside their control.
