Moscow-Sana
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stressed the importance of Russia's allies and partners in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) being ready to counter any possible infiltration of terrorists from the territory of Afghanistan.
In a speech he gave during a youth forum and reported by Russia Today, Shoigu indicated that the armed Taliban movement expelled government forces from many areas after the withdrawal of US forces and now controls the borders with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, explaining that "the dangers that Afghanistan came from earlier are drug smuggling and infiltration." Terrorists to our country through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have not diminished.”
"It is important for us that the armed forces of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan be prepared to respond to possible provocations," Shoigu added, noting that the Russian forces conducted joint exercises with the forces of the two countries, during which they were able to ensure the combat readiness of the forces and identify their weaknesses, and such exercises will continue in the future.
Fighting continues in Afghanistan between government forces and the armed Taliban movement, as the Taliban continues to advance in various areas, after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from many of these areas in preparation for the final exit from this country, which it invaded in 2001 under the pretext of fighting terrorism.
