Russian Defense Minister Calls for Strengthening Afghanistan-Tajikistan Border Amid Rising Terror Threats

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has called for strengthening the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan to stabilize the region amid growing instability and terrorist threats. This call comes in the wake of increased activity from terrorist groups, including the Islamic State Central Africa Wilayat (ISCAP) and its affiliate militia Forces démocratiques alliées (ADF), which have heightened security risks in Central Asia.

Tajikistan has responded by putting its entire armed forces on high alert. The country has mobilized 100,000 active servicemen, 130,000 reserve officers and soldiers, and law enforcement agencies for a combat readiness check. Additionally, 20,000 members of the military reserve have been sent to the Tajik-Afghan border to reinforce border troops. This is the largest military exercise in Tajikistan's 30-year history.

The Taliban has significantly increased its control over Afghanistan, including the main Shir Khan Bandar border crossing with Tajikistan. Tajik authorities report that over 900 kilometers of Afghanistan's border with Tajikistan is currently under Taliban control. This has led to hundreds of Afghans, including police and government troops, fleeing to Tajikistan and neighboring Uzbekistan while the Taliban intensifies its offensives against the Western-backed government in Kabul.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed the situation in Afghanistan with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Rahmon described the situation as "extremely difficult and uncertain," noting that it "is getting more complicated day by day and even hour by hour." In response, Russia has announced joint military maneuvers with Uzbekistan from July 30 to August 10, and plans to hold joint drills with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on August 5-10.

Why this matters: The stability of the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border has significant implications for regional security and the global fight against terrorism. If left unchecked, the growing terrorist threats in the region could lead to increased violence and instability, potentially spilling over into other parts of the world.

In a move that could have significant regional implications, Russia is set to expand diplomatic ties with the Taliban. Moscow is on the verge of delisting the Taliban from its list of terrorist groups, potentially paving the way for the group to gain regional legitimacy. Other countries, including China, Pakistan, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, have also engaged with the Taliban in various capacities, despite not formally recognizing the group's government.

Belousov's call for border strengthening comes amid his recent appointment as Russian Defense Minister, replacing long-serving Sergei Shoigu. Belousov, an economist by training, now faces the challenge of addressing the complex security dynamics in Central Asia. His appointment is seen as a sign that President Putin believes that victory in Ukraine will come through outproducing and outlasting Ukraine and its Western allies.

The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for regional security remain a significant concern for Russia and its Central Asian neighbors. The Taliban's continued gains make robust border security measures and regional cooperation increasingly critical.

Key Takeaways

• Russia calls for strengthening Afghanistan-Tajikistan border amid growing terrorist threats.
• Tajikistan puts entire armed forces on high alert, mobilizing 100,000 active servicemen and 130,000 reserves.
• Taliban controls over 900 km of Afghanistan's border with Tajikistan, sparking refugee influx.
• Russia to hold joint military drills with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to address regional security concerns.
• Russia considers delisting Taliban as terrorist group, potentially paving way for regional legitimacy.