The Taliban have dismissed concerns voiced by Russia over security threats allegedly originating from Afghan territory, insisting that no country has faced danger from Afghanistan in recent years.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said it was unclear on what basis Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the remarks, stressing that the Taliban exercise full control over the country.
«In the past four or five years that the Islamic Emirate has governed Afghanistan, no threat has been directed at any country from Afghan soil,» Mujahid said.
Lavrov stated on Monday that security challenges linked to Central Asia and Afghanistan were among the top concerns of members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
Despite the Taliban’s assurances, several regional countries remain wary. Russia has repeatedly raised alarms over the presence of Islamic State militants and Central Asian Islamist groups. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have also warned about the activities of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Ansarullah group.
China has expressed concern over Uyghur militants, while Pakistan says Afghan territory is being used by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch separatists—claims consistently denied by the Taliban.
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