23,000 militants in Afghanistan threaten Pakistan, regional stability: Russian foreign ministry

According to a report by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Afghanistan’s security and political situation remains highly complex, with active operations by various terrorist networks across the country.

The report estimates that between 20,000 and 23,000 militants are currently present in Afghanistan, over half of whom are foreign nationals. It warns that the persistent presence of these groups continues to pose a serious threat to regional security and stability.

Around 3,000 fighters linked to Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) are active in Afghanistan, while between 5,000 and 7,000 members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operate from Afghan territory. The report highlights that TTP is focusing on cross-border attacks into Pakistan, further escalating tensions in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

Read the full official report below:

ON THE MILITARY-POLITICAL SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN

The report also notes that Al-Qaeda, the Turkistan Islamic Party (ETIM/TIP), and other militant groups continue to run training centers and networks across Afghanistan. Afghan provinces including Ghazni, Laghman, Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Parwan, and Uruzgan host Al-Qaeda training camps, making Afghanistan a significant regional hub for coordination and militant training.

ISIS-K has established strong networks in eastern and northern Afghanistan, with long-term ambitions to expand into Central Asia and establish a so-called caliphate. The January 2026 bombing at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul serves as evidence of ISIS activity. The report also highlights a rise in synthetic drug trafficking, noting methamphetamine as Afghanistan’s most smuggled narcotic. The Russian Foreign Ministry concludes that these developments are directly affecting regional peace and stability.