Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
KABUL – In a significant geopolitical shift, Russia and Afghanistan’s Taliban have initiated a collaborative effort to combat the growing threat of ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), marking a rare convergence of interests between the two historically adversarial entities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly acknowledged the Taliban as a “trusted ally” in the fight against ISIS-K, a group responsible for several high-profile attacks, including the devastating concert hall bombing in Moscow in March 2024 that resulted in over 130 fatalities. The Times
Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy to Afghanistan, emphasized the shared threat posed by ISIS-K, noting that both Moscow and Kabul face significant security challenges due to the group’s activities. In response, Russia has pledged to provide specialized assistance to the Taliban, including intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism support, to bolster Afghanistan’s capacity to address this mutual threat.
This development follows Russia’s recent decision to remove the Taliban from its list of designated terrorist organizations, a move that has facilitated deeper diplomatic engagement between the two parties. While the Taliban remains unrecognized by the international community, Russia’s actions signal a pragmatic approach to regional security concerns.
Experts suggest that this alliance, though unconventional, underscores a strategic realignment in Central Asia, with Russia and the Taliban uniting against a common adversary that threatens both their interests. The evolving dynamics in the region warrant close monitoring as this partnership develops.
