Extremist group based in Afghanistan is strengthening its position in Central Asia and Africa, which is causing serious concerns in the region
- Afghan group ISIS-Khorasan has become a terrorist threat to Europe and is currently increasing its efforts to recruit and build up its capabilities.
New York
According to the UN, an extremist group based in Afghanistan is strengthening its position, which is causing serious concerns in the region, Eurasia-Today reports
Vladimir Voronkov, who holds the post of Deputy Secretary-General of the UN and heads the organization’s Counter-Terrorism Department, shared alarming information about the growing influence of radical elements.
Expansion of the zone of influence of extremists
At a meeting of the UN Security Council, Voronkov noted in his report the increased activity of radical groups not only in Africa, but also in Central Asia.
He also emphasized that the Afghan group ISIS-Khorasan has become a terrorist threat to Europe and is currently increasing its efforts to recruit and build up its capabilities.
The head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Department said that over the past six months, the terrorist group “Vilayat Khorasan” (ISPKH), associated with the banned organization ISIS, has significantly strengthened its position, creating a serious threat to the security of Eurasia.
Of particular concern is the fact that extremists from Afghanistan now pose a threat to European countries, actively recruiting new supporters in Central Asia and increasing their potential, the deputy secretary general added.
Strengthening the financial base and logistical capabilities
Over the past six months, radical elements have dramatically improved their financial position and logistical capabilities, including through support from the Afghan and Central Asian Diasporas and through recruiting supporters, he noted.
Voronkov stressed the need for joint efforts by all UN member states to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a base for extremists.
Position of the Afghan authorities
Kabul rejects accusations of strengthening extremist groups on its territory.
The official representative of the Islamic Emirate, Zabihullah Mujahid, speaking on behalf of the authorities, announced a serious fight against radical elements and called on the countries of the region to cooperate on this issue.
“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will not allow anyone to use the land of Afghanistan to the detriment of the security of any country or threaten any country from Afghanistan,” Mujahid emphasized and added. The security forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have seriously fought the phenomenon of ISIS in Afghanistan and dealt them a serious blow,” Mujahid noted.
Voronkov called on the world community to unite efforts in the fight against the growing threat of terrorism. He emphasized the importance of coordinating actions to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed of extremist ideology.
“We need to unite efforts to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed of terrorism again,” he concluded.
Read: Experts identify main threats to Central Asian countries
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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on August 13, 2024)