KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, responded to concerns raised by the chief of Kyrgyzstan’s National Security Committee regarding security threats emanating from Afghanistan, asserting that no “rogue” groups operate within the country.
Mujahid reiterated that Afghanistan does not pose a threat to other nations. Kamchybek Tashiev, the Kyrgyzstan National Security Committee chief, recently highlighted the concentration of terrorists in Afghanistan’s northern provinces as a significant security concern.
In a recent analysis, Modern Diplomacy magazine described Afghanistan under Taliban rule as a source of regional terrorism. The magazine cited interference, competition, and conflicting interests of foreign powers, including the U.S., Pakistan, Iran, and Russia, as contributing factors to continued terrorist activities in Afghanistan.
Mujahid, in an interview with Taliban-run RTA media, dismissed these concerns, insisting that the Taliban’s policies ensure Afghanistan’s soil is not used to threaten other countries.
Modern Diplomacy also noted the complex role of the Pakistani military in Afghanistan, alleging that it supports certain Taliban elements to counter India’s influence. The analysis suggested that since the Taliban’s return to power, the risk of Afghanistan becoming a hub for global terrorism has increased, exacerbated by poverty and lack of job opportunities drawing young people to terrorist groups.
“The competition among regional and global actors is one of the main factors strengthening terrorism in Afghanistan. Until effective mechanisms and strategies are in place with the cooperation of countries opposed to terrorism, the threats from these groups will persist,” said Mohammad Radmanesh, a military expert.
Afghan citizens have expressed concerns about the country’s security situation. “Poverty and destitution force our young people to join Daesh. The situation is not good, and Afghanistan will be destroyed,” said Mahjabin, a resident of Kabul.
Previously, the U.S. Institute of Peace warned about the presence of 23 active terrorist groups in Afghanistan, including al-Qaeda, Daesh, the East Turkestan Movement, the Tajik Taliban Movement, and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
