Tajikistan’s security forces reported a significant operation on Sunday where they “neutralized” four individuals labeled as “terrorists” who had crossed the border from Afghanistan. This incident took place in the southern Khatlon region, which has experienced a troubling increase in violence and border-related incidents in recent weeks, as highlighted by state media.
The mountainous border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan spans approximately 1,350 kilometers, creating a challenging security landscape. Tensions have escalated following at least five deadly incidents recorded since November, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals, including local border guards and foreign workers.
The Tajik government has expressed growing concern about the security risks posed by drug traffickers and Islamist militants in the region. Following a series of attacks on Chinese nationals in November, Tajik authorities issued a call to the Taliban government to reinforce stability along this volatile border.
Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rakhmon, who has been in power since 1992, stands out among Central Asian leaders for his critical stance towards the Taliban authorities. While other regional leaders are moving towards strengthening relations, Rakhmon has been vocal about his concerns regarding the Taliban’s governance, particularly the rights of ethnic Tajiks, who make up a significant portion of Afghanistan’s population.
In addition to border security issues, Tajikistan is alert to the activities of the Islamic State’s Khorasan division, which operates in Afghanistan and poses a potential threat to regional stability. Despite these security concerns, Tajikistan is also exploring avenues for cooperation with Afghanistan, including initiatives such as electricity supply agreements, the establishment of border markets, and diplomatic meetings between officials from both nations.
