CSTO Chief Warns of Multiple Extremist Groups Active in Afghanistan

Andrey Serdyukov, Chief of Staff of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), warned that numerous international extremist and terrorist groups are active in Afghanistan. He stated that their presence creates a risk of terrorism infiltrating neighboring countries and negatively impacts regional stability and security, posing a serious threat to Central Asian states.

Sergey Shoigu, Secretary of Russia's Security Council, described the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border as the "main focus of security challenges" for CSTO countries, expressing concern over increasing threats along southern borders linked to Afghanistan. He noted that the situation on the Tajik-Afghan border tops security concerns. A report mentioned 17 armed clashes along the border last year.

Channel 14, an Israeli media outlet citing intelligence sources, claimed that Iranian diplomat Mohammad Ibrahim Taherianfard, a former special representative for Afghanistan, and Afghan businessman Kamaluddin Nabizada manage some of these activities. The sources alleged the pair held secret meetings with Taliban officials in early January amid protests in Iran. The purported goals included recruiting militias for potential Iranian needs and establishing a safe route in Afghanistan for emergency exits by Iranian officials. Channel 14 also claimed Iran seeks access to U.S. military equipment left in Afghanistan, offering oil and gas deals in return, and published an image of a purported new passport for Nabizada. The U.S. Treasury recently sanctioned Nabizada for alleged ties to Iran's Quds Force, which his office denied as political.

Recent Iran-Taliban ties have advanced, with Iran's ambassador in Kabul stating Tehran is negotiating recognition of the Taliban administration, praising their security control and claiming no obstacles exist. Iran's deputy oil minister visited Kabul to discuss oil and gas exports and training Afghan engineers, while Taliban officials requested cheaper prices.

Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani praised Abdul Sattar Sado's role in past Haqqani network operations against U.S. forces and the previous Afghan government, including aiding the 2005 escape of four Al-Qaeda members from Bagram prison.