Russia Reports 20,000-23,000 Terrorists in Afghanistan, Warns of Fragile Security

Russia's Foreign Ministry has reported that Afghanistan hosts 20,000 to 23,000 fighters from international terrorist groups, with more than half being foreign nationals.

The ministry identified specific groups and estimated numbers: ISIS-K with 3,000 fighters, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan with 5,000 to 7,000, Al-Qaeda with 400 to 1,500, East Turkestan Islamic Movement with 300 to 1,200, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan with 150 to 500, and Jamaat Ansarullah with 150 to 250.

ISIS-K is the only group actively opposing the Taliban, operating camps in eastern and northeastern Afghanistan and attempting to expand into Central Asia, according to Russian analysts. However, these groups lack the capacity to threaten Taliban control or capture difficult terrain.

The report describes Afghanistan's political and military situation as fragile, emphasizing the need for international attention to the economic, social and humanitarian consequences for ordinary citizens.

The Taliban have denied such figures, asserting that the country remains under their control and largely stable.