ALMATY: The Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) has started military exercises in south-eastern Kazakhstan focused on countering the potential infiltration of terrorist groups from Afghanistan into Central Asian countries.
The drills began on September 12 in the Koktal area of Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu region and will continue until September 19, according to The Times of Central Asia.
CSTO rapid reaction forces are conducting training operations in mountainous and desert environments, with exercises designed to strengthen responses to armed groups entering border areas.
Border Security Focus
The exercises come as Russia and Tajikistan have raised concerns over activities of armed groups operating in Afghanistan.
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said Moscow was paying particular attention to strengthening security along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border.
Tajikistan previously requested additional support from CSTO members following attacks originating from Afghan territory, which resulted in the deaths of five Chinese citizens and two Tajik border guards in late 2025.
ALSO READ: Australia Arrests Afghan National Over Possession of Violent Extremist Videos
CSTO Secretary-General Taalatbek Masadykov said in August that the first shipment of equipment and weapons to support border security efforts would be sent to Tajikistan during autumn.
Regional Security Concerns
The CSTO includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Armenia, with Tajikistan being the only member state sharing a border with Afghanistan.
Although Central Asian countries have developed communication channels with the Taliban authorities since their return to power in 2021, CSTO members continue to express concern over armed groups operating in Afghanistan, particularly Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K).
The group claimed responsibility for the March 2024 attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, which killed more than 140 people.
Security officials have identified armed group movements, drug trafficking and instability along Afghanistan’s borders as key regional challenges.
