MOSCOW — The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has identified the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan as a serious threat to the security of its member states, raising concerns over the regional implications of instability under Taliban rule.
In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the CSTO member countries, the bloc expressed deep alarm over the proliferation of extremist groups operating within Afghanistan.
“We are deeply concerned about the security situation and the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan,” the statement said. “The terrorist groups based in Afghanistan pose a significant threat to the security of CSTO member states.”
According to the Russian news agency TASS, the CSTO diplomats emphasized the need for the Taliban to establish an inclusive government representing all social and ethnic groups.
The statement also urged the Taliban to fulfill commitments regarding fundamental human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, including access to education and employment.
“We are troubled by the continuing ethnic and religious persecution in Afghanistan,” the statement added, underscoring the importance of addressing human rights concerns as a step toward stability.
Regional coordination on security and narcotics
The CSTO highlighted the need for enhanced regional cooperation in counterterrorism and efforts to combat drug trafficking, urging the Taliban to intensify actions against these threats.
“We remain concerned about the ongoing narcotics problem in Afghanistan, despite efforts by local authorities,” the ministers said. “We emphasize the importance of continuing coordinated efforts to curb the trafficking of drugs to other countries.”
The issue of drug trafficking has been a longstanding challenge for Afghanistan, which remains one of the world’s largest producers of opium.
U.N. reports growing threat
The United Nations has reported that more than 20 terrorist groups, including ISIS and al-Qaeda, operate within Afghanistan under Taliban rule. U.N. officials have also accused the Taliban of maintaining close ties with al-Qaeda and providing shelter to members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), raising concerns about cross-border threats.
The CSTO, a security alliance led by Russia and composed of six post-Soviet states, continues to monitor developments in Afghanistan as regional powers grapple with the ramifications of the Taliban’s return to power and the risks posed by terrorist networks.
