Shanghai Cooperation Organization Warns of Rising Activity of Extremist Groups in Syria and Afghanistan

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has warned of the growing activity of extremist groups in Syria and Afghanistan, stressing that this development poses a direct threat to the security of Central Asian states, and calling for enhanced regional cooperation to confront cross-border risks.

Olarbek Sharshiyev, head of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), said during the 11th international conference of the structure held in Tashkent that groups such as ISIS are working to establish sleeper cells in Central Asian countries, taking advantage of modern recruitment methods and advanced financing channels, in addition to using forged documents to cross borders and move fighters.

Participants in the conference emphasized the need to strengthen information-sharing and coordinate joint efforts to counter these threats. They proposed establishing a global counterterrorism center in Tashkent as a platform for security cooperation and preventing extremism.

Sharshiyev noted that the situations in Syria and Afghanistan underscore the urgent need to elevate coordination among regional powers and international agencies in order to curb the spread of extremism and reinforce stability within SCO member states.

Founded in 2001 and comprising China, Russia, and the Central Asian states in addition to India, Pakistan, and observer states, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is one of the most prominent regional frameworks concerned with security and counterterrorism in the region.