Tajikistan Warns Of Rising Security Threats Along Afghan Border

The head of Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security has called for the adoption of new operational strategies along the country’s border with Afghanistan, citing escalating threats from international terrorism and growing instability in the region.

Saimumin Yatimov issued the warning during the 56th meeting of the Council of Heads of Security Agencies and Special Services of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), held on Friday, 16 May, in Dushanbe.

According to Russia’s TASS news agency, Yatimov described international terrorism as one of the most significant threats confronting CIS member states. He stressed that the transnational nature of terrorism, coupled with emerging security flashpoints near CIS borders particularly in Afghanistan necessitates joint action, timely information exchange, and continuous refinement of operational tactics and intelligence-gathering methods.

Representatives from Russia, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan attended the meeting, with Turkmenistan participating as an observer.

Yatimov underscored the importance of such gatherings in facilitating the exchange of perspectives and expertise on regional security, describing the CIS council as a critical platform for enhancing cooperation among member states.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also addressed the session, urging CIS members to bolster collective efforts to address mounting security challenges across the region. He identified terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cybercrime as the primary threats facing the bloc.

Tajikistan, which will hold the rotating presidency of the CIS in 2025, has prioritised enhanced security cooperation as a central objective during its term.