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Terrorist threat in Afghanistan must be taken seriously, China tells UNSC
China has warned the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that the terrorist threat in Afghanistan remains severe and requires urgent international attention, citing the continued presence and activities of several extremist groups on Afghan soil.
Speaking at the Council’s meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, Chinese envoy Sun Lei said organizations such as ISIL, al-Qaeda and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) are still operating in Afghanistan and pose “persistent threats” to the country and the wider region.
Sun referred to last month’s deadly explosion at a Chinese restaurant in Afghanistan, which killed seven people and was claimed by ISIL-K, as a reminder of the group’s ongoing operational capability. He urged the Afghan authorities to “attach great importance” to counterterrorism efforts and to take concrete measures to prevent the country from once again becoming a hub for extremist networks.
He added that China supports deeper regional cooperation — particularly among Central Asian states and through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) — to jointly confront cross-border terrorist threats, while also helping Afghanistan stabilize its economy.
Pakistan’s envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad also raised concerns, saying the Afghan authorities continue to provide a “permissive environment” for groups such as TTP, al-Qaeda, ISIL-K and ETIM/TIP. He warned that these organizations endanger not only Pakistan but the entire region, and highlighted the risk of advanced weapons left behind in Afghanistan falling into militant hands.
U.S. representative Mike Waltz broadened the discussion, noting the expansion of al-Qaeda affiliates and ISIL-linked groups in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the resilience of ISIL cells in Syria and Iraq. He said ISIL-K (Daesh) remains a persistent threat in Afghanistan, underscoring the need for sustained and coordinated global counterterrorism efforts.
Regional countries have repeatedly raised concern about terrorist threats in Afghanistan.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), dismissed concerns raised at the United Nations Security Council about threats from Afghanistan as “unfounded.”
He said some actors are using Afghanistan’s absence from international meetings to spread propaganda and create unnecessary alarm.
Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan is secure and that no foreign or rogue groups are operating inside the country. While Daesh has been defeated in Afghanistan, the group has established sanctuaries in the neighborhood. He reassured that Afghan territory will not be used against anyone.
Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the governor of Herat, has urged the United Nations to give priority to domestic Afghan products when procuring food and essential goods.
According to a statement from the Herat governor’s office, Islamjar met with Indrika Ratwatte, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, and Arafat Jamal, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Afghanistan.
During the meeting, the governor praised the UN’s cooperation and described the support provided during the first wave of returning migrants as a significant success. He emphasized that the local administration is fully prepared to address the needs of any potential new wave of migrants.
Islamjar also stressed the importance of international support in expanding foreign markets for Afghan agricultural and industrial products, and called for easing banking restrictions, facilitating visa issuance, and improving online services for the private sector and local traders.
In response, Indrika Ratwatte welcomed the governor’s proposals and assured that the UN would strive to source necessary goods from Afghan domestic products in the future, while continuing its cooperation with the local administration across various sectors.
Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, reported on Thursday that four civilians were killed overnight in Khost province during artillery and mortar shelling by the Pakistani military.
The attacks occurred around 4:00 a.m. in Alishir-Trezi district.
The victims were members of a nomadic family, including a man, a woman, and two children. Three additional children were injured in the strikes.
The Pakistani military also carried out attacks in Kunar province last night. While no casualties were reported there, several homes and private properties were damaged.
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China urges de-escalation in Iran crisis and Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions
Wang noted that China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs is currently shuttling between the two countries to help promote dialogue and reconciliation.
China has called for restraint and dialogue amid rising regional tensions, saying diplomatic efforts are needed to prevent further escalation in both the Iran crisis and the border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China, held a phone conversation with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, to discuss recent developments.
During the call, Wang said the key to preventing further escalation in Iran lies in halting military operations by the United States and Israel. He said China does not condone attacks on Gulf states and strongly condemns strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The discussion also addressed the recent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Wang noted that China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs is currently shuttling between the two countries to help promote dialogue and reconciliation.
He emphasized that the immediate priority is to prevent further escalation and ensure a swift return to negotiations between the two sides.
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