Terrorism’s ticking time bomb in Afghanistan
Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism - A Russian newspaper wrote in an analytical report: After the withdrawal of foreign forces led by the US in 2021, Afghanistan has continued to become a platform for extremist groups and a serious threat to regional security. The media outlet emphasizes that contrary to the Taliban's claim that "Afghanistan is safe," the realities on the ground show that the country has become a "time bomb."
According to IRAF , the Russian newspaper Pravda reports that numerous terrorist groups were formed with the support of Western intelligence services and continue to maintain close ties . ISIS, with its extensive networks of financing, recruitment, and propaganda, is just one example
The East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which had previously been almost wiped out, has also been revived, with its forces now moving to Afghanistan after being in Syria . This development has raised serious concerns in China, as the group calls for the secession of the Xinjiang region and the establishment of an “Islamic caliphate . ” According to Pravda, up to 5,000 Uyghur fighters have taken part in the fighting in Syria against the government of Bashar al-Assad . After the group was removed from the US list of terrorist organizations, its members were integrated into the new Syrian army, and one of its leaders, Abdulaziz Daoud Khodaberdi, was even promoted to brigadier general . Today, many of these fighters are stationed near China’s borders in Afghanistan, a matter that has raised legitimate concerns in Beijing .
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi raised the issue of extremist movements during a meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Asad al-Shaibani, and called for mutual respect for the fundamental interests of the two countries . Damascus promised not to allow any organization to use Syrian territory to harm China’s interests . However, Pravda emphasizes that such statements are difficult to believe, as attacks against China and its interests are increasing .
On January 19, a suicide bomber attacked a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, killing seven people and wounding about 20. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it a response to “the Chinese government’s crimes against the Uyghurs.” Although only one of the victims was a Chinese citizen, the attack demonstrates a direct targeting of Beijing’s interests in Afghanistan .
Extremist groups that avoid direct attacks on China target Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Six Chinese citizens were killed in Tajikistan’s border areas last year . Official statistics show that border clashes have increased from six in 2024 to seventeen last year. The volume of drugs seized has also increased from 1.8 tons to 2.8 tons . The border situation has not improved since the beginning of this year . On January 18, the National Security Committee of Tajikistan announced the neutralization of four terrorists in Khatlan province . Three Kalashnikovs, an American rifle and a large amount of ammunition were found at the scene of the clash . Just a few days later, five armed men entered Tajikistan, killing three people and returning two to Afghanistan after the clash. In addition to the weapons, four bags of drugs were also seized .
Alexander Zoyev, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, told the Security Council that the Afghanistan-based ISIS remains one of the most dangerous threats to the region . He said the group has adapted to new conditions by using digital currencies, online platforms and even artificial intelligence to recruit . Chinese representatives also confirmed this concern . An example of such threats was the bloody February 6 attack in Pakistan, which targeted a Shiite mosque during Friday prayers and left more than 30 dead. ISIS also claimed responsibility for that attack .
Despite this evidence, Taliban officials continue to insist that “Afghanistan is safe . ” A Taliban spokesman has announced that no terrorist group is present in the country and that ISIS has been completely destroyed . He called the UN’s statements “baseless” and part of “negative propaganda,” and said that no country should be worried .
In conclusion, the analysis of the Russian newspaper Pravda shows that Afghanistan, despite the change of power and the withdrawal of foreign forces, remains a platform for the activities of extremist groups and a serious threat to regional security . This situation has not only involved neighboring countries such as Tajikistan and Pakistan, but has also directly targeted Chinese interests . While the Taliban emphasizes “complete security,” field evidence proves the opposite, placing Afghanistan in a position of a permanent security crisis.
