Russia’s Defense Minister: ISIS using Afghanistan as bridgehead

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: The Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu has said that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group is using Afghanistan as a bridgehead to further expand its foothold into the region.

Shoigu made the remarks at a meeting of the defense ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Bishkek.

“It is important to note that after the rout of the so-called Islamic State, terrorists are moving from Syria and Iraq to other regions, including Central and Southeast Asia,” he was quoted as saying in a report by TASS News Agency.

“As a result, cross-border crime is growing, a breeding ground is emerging for extremist and separatist movements and terrorist cells are coming into existence. The most complex situation is developing in Afghanistan,” Shoigu added.

Expressing concerns regarding the strengthening of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) positions in Afghanistan, Shoigu said the group is using Afghanistan as a bridgehead for further expansion into the region.

The Russian defense chief called for joint efforts to fight threats emanating from Afghanistan, counter production and transit of narcotics, and render assistance to Afghanistan in national reconciliation and economic revival.(Khaama Press)