Russian security chief says ISIS-K recruiting Central Asian nationals in Afghanistan

Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), said on Tuesday that the ISIS regional affiliate in Afghanistan is actively recruiting citizens of Central Asian countries and labor migrants living in Russia.

Speaking at a meeting of security chiefs from the Commonwealth of Independent States in Moscow, Bortnikov said ISIS-K, the group’s Afghanistan-based branch, was drawing recruits from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. He said the group was also attempting to establish clandestine networks across the region and prepare potential attacks.

The meeting was attended by senior security officials from several countries, including Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban’s defense minister.

Bortnikov said Russian security services, working with counterparts in Tajikistan, had earlier this year disrupted what he described as a terrorist cell that was preparing high-profile attacks. He added that cooperation with Uzbek authorities had helped prevent five planned attacks in different parts of Russia, including Moscow.

The Russian official also alleged that ISIS-K and some armed groups opposed to the Taliban were seeking to weaken Taliban rule in Afghanistan and expand their influence, particularly in the country’s north. He claimed that these efforts were receiving support from foreign intelligence services, including Britain’s, though he did not provide evidence for the allegation.

Bortnikov emphasized the importance of counterterrorism cooperation with Taliban and said stability in relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan remained important for regional security.

His remarks reflect Russia’s continued concern about militant activity in Afghanistan despite its expanding ties with the Taliban government.

Earlier this month, Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said that between 18,000 and 23,000 militants belonging to more than 20 armed groups were operating in Afghanistan. He described terrorism and drug trafficking as key threats to regional security.

Shoigu also said ISIS-K had about 3,000 members in Afghanistan and had carried out a series of major attacks in recent years.

Russian officials have repeatedly warned that instability in Afghanistan could spill over into Central Asia, a region Moscow views as strategically important.

Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban rule. Nevertheless, Russian officials continue to publicly raise concerns about the presence of foreign militant groups inside Afghanistan.

Taliban have consistently rejected claims that Afghanistan poses a security threat to neighboring countries, saying they do not allow Afghanistan’s territory to be used against other states. They have also maintained that they have significantly weakened ISIS-K and improved security across the country since returning to power.

Bortnikov described the situation in Afghanistan as “complex” but said the Taliban had so far managed to prevent the country’s collapse into broader internal conflict. He added that border tensions with Pakistan and internal security threats continued to place pressure on Taliban security forces.