According to a report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the security and political situation in Afghanistan remains complex, with terrorist networks actively operating across the country.
The report estimates that between 20,000 and 23,000 militant fighters are currently present in Afghanistan, with more than half identified as foreign nationals. It warns that the continued presence of these groups poses a persistent threat to regional security and stability.
Approximately 3,000 fighters linked to Islamic State – Khorasan Province are active in Afghanistan, while between 5,000 and 7,000 members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan are also operating from Afghan territory. The report states that TTP is focusing on launching attacks into Pakistan, further increasing tensions in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
Read the full official report below:
ON THE MILITARY-POLITICAL SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN
The report further notes that Al-Qaeda, Turkistan Islamic Party (ETIM/TIP), and other militant groups are running training centers and networks across Afghanistan. It identifies Afghan provinces including Ghazni, Laghman, Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Parwan, and Uruzgan as locations where Al-Qaeda training camps are present. Afghanistan remains an important regional hub for Al-Qaeda’s coordination and training activities.
ISIS-K has established strong networks in eastern and northern Afghanistan, with long-term ambitions of expanding into Central Asia to establish a so-called caliphate. The report cites the January 2026 bombing at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul as evidence of ISIS presence. It also highlights a rise in synthetic drug trafficking, identifying methamphetamine as the most smuggled narcotic from Afghanistan. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the situation in Afghanistan is directly impacting regional peace and stability.