ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajikistan’s PresidentEmomali Rahmon engaged in a telephone conversation to assess bilateralties, regional dynamics, and escalating security concerns stemming fromAfghanistan. The Kremlin disclosed that the discussion highlighted mutualdedication to bolstering the strategic alliance between the two nations.Amid increasing militant incursions across the Tajik-Afghan frontier, bothleaders stressed the necessity of coordinated efforts to safeguard regionalstability. This exchange occurs against a backdrop of recent violentclashes that have heightened tensions and prompted reinforced bordermeasures in Tajikistan.
The conversation underscored the importance of ongoing securitycollaboration between Moscow and Dushanbe. Russia maintains a significantmilitary presence in Tajikistan through its 201st base and participates injoint exercises under frameworks such as the Collective Security TreatyOrganization. These mechanisms aim to address threats from extremistorganizations operating in northern Afghanistan. The leaders reaffirmedtheir commitment to intelligence sharing and joint operations designed toprevent spillover of instability into Central Asia. Such cooperation hasgrown increasingly vital as cross-border risks intensify.
Tajikistan reported a significant armed incident on December 24-25, 2025,when militants infiltrated from Afghanistan into the Shamsiddin Shohindistrict. Tajik border forces neutralized three attackers identified asmembers of a terrorist group, but two border guards lost their lives in thefirefight. This marked the third such violent episode in recent weeks,following attacks in late November and early December that claimed civilianlives, including foreign nationals. Tajik authorities attributed theseincursions to groups exploiting Afghan territory, raising alarms about theTaliban’s ability to control its borders effectively.
In direct response to the mounting threats, President Rahmon inaugurated aspecialized tank training ground named Harbmaydon and four new borderoutposts on December 24, 2025. These facilities, equipped with advancedobservation towers, driving classrooms, and support infrastructure, aim toenhance military readiness and rapid response capabilities along the ruggedfrontier. Over the past two to three years, Tajikistan has constructedapproximately 80 new outposts, supported by domestic resources and aimed atimproving surveillance in previously vulnerable mountainous sections. Theinitiatives reflect a proactive strategy to fortify defenses againstpotential insurgent movements.
The shared 1,350-kilometer porous border between Tajikistan and Afghanistanhas long posed challenges due to its remote terrain and history of militantactivity. Groups such as Jamaat Ansarullah, linked to broader extremistnetworks, have been cited in regional reports as operating near thefrontier with intentions to destabilize Tajikistan. Recent incidents havealso impacted foreign interests, prompting concerns from partners likeChina, whose nationals have been targeted in cross-border violence.Analysts observe that these developments could strain diplomatic relationswhile underscoring the need for multilateral security arrangements.
Russia and Tajikistan’s longstanding partnership extends beyond militarydimensions to encompass economic and political coordination. Jointinitiatives focus on containing threats from organizations like IslamicState Khorasan Province, which exploits instability in Afghanistan. Thetelephone dialogue between Putin and Rahmon reinforces this alliance at acritical juncture, emphasizing preventive measures and regionalcoordination. Sustained investment in border infrastructure, combined withintelligence collaboration, remains essential to mitigate risks andpreserve stability across Central Asia.
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The evolving security landscape highlights broader implications for CentralAsian nations sharing frontiers with Afghanistan. Persistent concerns overmilitant spillover have driven enhanced vigilance and infrastructuredevelopment in Tajikistan. Close alignment with Russia provides crucialsupport through training, equipment, and strategic backing. As threatspersist, continued high-level engagement between Moscow and Dushanbe willlikely shape responses to these challenges, prioritizing border integrityand collective security.
Source:https://www.afintl.com/en/202512314227
Tags: Tajikistan, Russia, Afghanistan, Emomali Rahmon
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