Afghanistan-based extremist groups endanger Central Asia, CSTO warns

KABUL: Andrei Serdyukov, the Chief of Staff of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), warned on Thursday, that the activities of terrorist and extremist groups based in Afghanistan represent a serious threat to the security of Central Asia. According to the TASS news agency, he emphasized that the presence of the groups directly negatively affects the stability of the region and can transfer insecurity to neighboring countries. Serdyukov also highlighted the spread of radical ideologies and drug trafficking, describing them as significant security challenges for Central Asia. He characterized the security situation in the South Caucasus as concerning, noting that a combination of unresolved conflicts and new geopolitical issues complicates the situation further. The CSTO Chief of Staff cautioned that Western countries’ attempts to expand influence in the South Caucasus could increase tensions and create a “tense and unpredictable” security environment in the region. The remarks come amid recent concerns expressed by Russia regarding the activities of extremist groups in Afghanistan.