The Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is stepping up efforts to enhance security along the Tajik–Afghan border, following a series of rising clashes in the region. The decision comes as Tajikistan grapples with increasing instability at the border, exacerbated by violent incidents and the growing presence of armed groups.

On January 29, Tajik border forces engaged in a deadly firefight with suspected drug traffickers in the Khatlon Province, resulting in the deaths of three traffickers. Others managed to flee into Afghanistan. Fortunately, no casualties were reported among Tajik forces. The confrontation also led to the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and over 70 packages of illicit narcotics, including hashish and opium.

This incident underscores the intensifying security challenges along the border, where armed clashes have surged in recent months. Notably, in November, a series of attacks targeted Chinese workers in the region, killing five individuals and prompting China to suspend several infrastructure and mining projects due to safety concerns.

To address these escalating security threats, CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov confirmed that the organization is finalizing plans to deliver advanced military equipment to bolster Tajikistan’s border defense capabilities. Masadykov stated that CSTO member states are currently coordinating the types of weapons, military gear, and technical resources to be provided, with contracts and suppliers still under negotiation.

The CSTO, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, has pledged to ensure the region’s border security is strengthened in light of the growing instability. However, no specific timeline has been set for the delivery of the new equipment.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring developments, with concerns mounting over the potential spillover of violence from Afghanistan into neighboring Central Asian countries.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), said the group seeks positive and balanced relations with all countries, including the United States, while insisting that no foreign financial aid has been provided directly to the Emirate or the Afghan government.

In an exclusive interview with Payam Afghan TV, Mujahid responded to recent U.S. Senate legislation aimed at restricting aid to Afghanistan, stating that Washington has not sent any assistance directly to the Islamic Emirate. He said humanitarian aid to Afghanistan has been suspended or provided solely on humanitarian grounds.

Mujahid added that past international assistance was channeled through domestic institutions and human rights organizations and remained under the control of those entities, with no direct involvement from the Islamic Emirate.

“The policy of the Islamic Emirate is based on self-reliance. Afghans must resolve their internal challenges themselves,” Mujahid said.

He emphasized that the Emirate’s focus is on attracting investment and promoting economic development while safeguarding national sovereignty and preventing foreign political interference. Mujahid cited engagement with China, Russia, and neighboring countries as examples of this approach.

He concluded that the Islamic Emirate is open to cooperation with European and American investors, aiming to turn Afghanistan into a regional and global economic hub, provided its sovereignty and internal affairs are fully respected.

The U.S. Senate has advanced legislation aimed at preventing American taxpayer funds from reaching the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), marking a new step in Washington’s efforts to restrict financial support to groups it designates as terrorist organizations.

The No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, now moves to the full Senate for consideration. The bill seeks to bar U.S. funds from directly or indirectly benefiting the IEA and establishes official U.S. policy opposing financial or material support to the group by foreign governments or non-governmental organizations.

Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch cited the human cost of the Afghanistan war, noting that more than 2,000 U.S. service members were killed and over 20,000 injured during the conflict. He described any transfer of U.S. funds to the IEA as “a betrayal of the victims of the war,” calling the legislation a common-sense measure to ensure taxpayer dollars are not diverted to militant groups.

The bill was introduced in January 2025 by Senator Tim Sheehy, with co-sponsorship from Senators Bill Hagerty, Tommy Tuberville, and Steve Daines. It also directs the State Department to develop strategies to counter foreign assistance that could benefit the IEA.

In response, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said the United States has not provided funds directly to the Emirate. He added that international assistance entering Afghanistan is intended exclusively for humanitarian purposes.

Supporters of the legislation say it reinforces U.S. efforts to cut off financial resources to militant groups while allowing humanitarian aid to continue through international organizations operating in Afghanistan.