CSTO official warns Afghanistan-based militants pose major threat to regional stability

Andrey Serdyukov, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, has warned that militant groups based in Afghanistan pose a significant threat to regional security, with the potential to export terrorism to neighboring countries.

“The proliferation of radical ideologies and drug trafficking continues to pose serious challenges,” Serdyukov said during a news briefing.

He also highlighted that Western nations are actively seeking to expand their influence in the South Caucasus, a region he described as volatile due to unresolved conflicts and emerging geopolitical tensions. “This situation is particularly concerning, largely driven by Western efforts to establish a stronger presence in the South Caucasus,” he added.

Concluding his assessment, Serdyukov noted that the overall security situation across the CSTO’s area of responsibility remains tense and unpredictable. “As international relations continue to deteriorate, the risk of conflict is likely to grow,” he warned.

Regional countries have repeatedly expressed concern over militant threats originating from Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, however, has dismissed such claims, asserting that it will not allow Afghan territory to be used against any other nation.