The Russian Defense Minister emphasised the escalating menace of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, labeling it a significant threat to regional peace and stability.
Since the Afghan Taliban's ascent to power in 2021, the nation has transformed into a sanctuary for extremist factions, fostering an environment ripe for insurgency and chaos.
"The Afghan land has tragically become a paradise for terrorists," remarked the Defense Minister, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The Afghan Taliban's complicity in providing refuge and financial backing to terrorist outfits like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has exacerbated tensions, casting a shadow of insecurity across the region.
Highlighting the impact on neighbouring Pakistan, the Defense Minister noted the pervasive influence of Afghan-based terrorism, evident through the apprehension of Afghan militants on Pakistani soil and their subsequent revelations. Such incidents, he asserted, serve as incontrovertible evidence of the Afghan Taliban's lack of earnestness in combating terrorism.
The issue found resonance on the international stage as well, with the recent convening of defence ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Kazakhstan. Deliberations centred on the pernicious spread of terrorism from Afghanistan to the global arena, prompting urgent calls for concerted action to curb the burgeoning threat.
Despite assurances from the Afghan Taliban regarding non-aggression against other nations, the ground reality paints a starkly different picture, with terrorist activities continuing unabated. The Defense Minister's unequivocal stance underscores growing international acknowledgement of Afghanistan's role as a breeding ground for extremist violence.
With the specter of terrorism looming large, the Defense Minister urged swift and decisive action by the international community to stem the tide of attacks originating from Afghan soil. Failure to address this pressing issue, he cautioned, could precipitate a dangerous escalation of terrorism, imperiling the entire region's security.
