SCO Raises Concerns Over Security Threats from Afghanistan

At its 45th meeting, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) claimed that terrorist groups in Afghanistan pose a serious threat to the security of member states.

The meeting stated that these groups have not only increased their combat capabilities but, according to the organization, have also expanded the scope of their activities across the region.

Members of the council said the situation requires strengthened joint intelligence and security cooperation to effectively combat terrorism and extremism.

Russian media reported: “Terrorist groups based in Afghanistan and Syria have significantly increased their combat capabilities, which poses a threat to the security of SCO member states.”

In response to these concerns, some military analysts say such claims require clear and verifiable evidence.

They believe that Afghanistan has not posed a threat to other countries over the past five years. However, they stress that all these countries should cooperate with Afghanistan to address existing concerns.

Sarwar Niazi, a military analyst, said: “Groups have fled Afghanistan. ISIS has lost its base in the country, and today Afghanistan does not pose a threat to any country.”

Asadullah Nadim, another military analyst, stated: “It would be better for the Afghan government to take measures that build trust among SCO members, particularly neighboring countries. Afghanistan needs positive relations with these countries, so it is the government’s responsibility to address their concerns.”

Although the Islamic Emirate has not yet responded to these remarks, it has previously rejected the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and insisted that no threat originates from Afghan soil against other countries.