Russia: Afghanistan remains a source of terrorist threats and cross-border crimes

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov says that instability in Afghanistan continues and that the country remains one of the main hotbeds of cross-border crimes and terrorist threats in the region.

"The unstable situation in Afghanistan remains and that the country is considered a major source of terrorist threats and cross-border crimes," he said at a meeting of defense ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in Bishkek on Tuesday, RIA Novosti reported.

Belousov also stressed that Russia is monitoring the movements of countries outside the region that seek to increase their military presence or logistical influence in Central Asia and considers it unacceptable.

He went on to warn of the possible spread of militant activity from conflict zones to neighboring countries, including SCO members.

The Russian Defense Minister also considered US policies in the Asia-Pacific region to be a factor in increasing tension and instability.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization had previously raised concerns about the activities of extremist groups in Afghanistan. Although Russia does not recognize the Taliban government, it has always warned about the security implications of the situation in Afghanistan for Central Asia.