ISLAMABAD: Russia’s Foreign Ministry has estimated that Afghanistan hosts between 20,000 and 23,000 fighters from various international terrorist groups, raising concerns over regional security, according to Afghan media.
Ariana News, quoting Russia's foreign ministry, reported that over half of these fighters are foreign nationals. Among the larger groups, it cited around 3,000 Daesh fighters, 5,000-7,000 from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and 400 to 1,500 from al Qaeda.
Smaller groups reportedly include the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU/Turkestan Islamic Party), and Jamaat Ansarullah.
The assessment noted that Daesh remains hostile toward Afghan authorities but lacks the ability to seize territory, focusing instead on undermining public confidence.
However, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban-led Interim Afghan government, rejected the report.
Speaking to TOLO News, he claimed Afghanistan is under a unified authority, and no foreign terrorist groups operate freely within its borders.
Mujahid dismissed Russia’s report as politically motivated, drawing parallels with similar allegations made during the US occupation.
“Afghanistan is secure, and these reports do not reflect ground realities,” he said, urging Russia to base its assessments on objective facts.
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