ISLAMABAD: Russia has issued a stark warning about the growing influence ofterrorist organisations, particularly Daesh-Khorasan, in Afghanistan,describing the trend as a serious threat to regional stability. Speaking ata United Nations Security Council committee briefing, Russia’s permanentrepresentative Vassily Nebenzia highlighted the rapid expansion of militantnetworks since the Taliban takeover.
Nebenzia told the committee that Daesh is deliberately stoking ethnic andsectarian tensions while positioning itself as an alternative power centrein Afghanistan. He noted that the group continues to attract seasonedfighters who gained combat experience in Syria and Iraq.
The Russian envoy expressed particular concern over sustained foreignfinancing reaching Daesh affiliates inside Afghanistan. He warned thatfinancial and logistical support from external actors is enabling the groupto rebuild its operational capabilities despite battlefield setbackselsewhere.
A major worry, according to Nebenzia, is the large stockpiles ofsophisticated weapons abandoned by Western forces during their 2021withdrawal. These arms, he said, risk falling into terrorist hands andcould significantly enhance militant capabilities.
The ambassador cautioned that terrorist activity originating fromAfghanistan now poses a direct spillover threat to Central Asian states andbeyond. He stressed that the danger extends far past Afghanistan’s bordersand requires urgent international attention.
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Russia has consistently called for comprehensive measures to neutralise allterrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. Moscow insists that preventingthe country from again becoming a safe haven for international terrorismmust remain a global priority.