Tajikistan officials reported on Sunday that four “terrorists” crossing from Afghanistan were neutralised in the southern Khatlon region, according to state media.
The incident comes amid rising tensions along the mountainous Tajik-Afghan border, where deadly attacks have increased over the past few weeks. Authorities emphasized that the militants were neutralised after refusing to lay down their arms.
Tajikistan shares roughly 1,350 kilometres (840 miles) of rugged terrain with Afghanistan, and the border has been the site of at least five deadly incidents since November, resulting in 16 fatalities.
Victims have included Tajik border guards, Chinese workers, and individuals classified by Dushanbe as “smugglers” or “terrorists.” These attacks have heightened security concerns in the region and prompted warnings from Tajik authorities to the Afghan Taliban to prevent further destabilisation.
In November, attacks on Chinese nationals along the border drew international attention, leading Tajikistan to urge the Taliban regime to control militant activity.
Unlike other Central Asian nations strengthening ties with the Taliban, President Emomali Rakhmon—who has been in power since 1992—has openly criticised Afghanistan’s authorities while calling for respect for the rights of ethnic Tajiks, who make up an estimated quarter of Afghanistan’s population.
Despite criticism, Tajikistan has taken cautious steps toward cooperation with Kabul, including electricity supply agreements, the opening of border markets, and official meetings with local Taliban representatives.
Security concerns remain high, particularly due to groups like Jamaat Ansarullah, which the UN reports have fighters across Afghanistan aiming to destabilise Tajikistan. Dushanbe has also voiced worries over Daesh in Khorasan operating in neighboring Afghan regions.
The neutralisation of the four militants underscores Tajikistan’s ongoing efforts to secure its border and prevent further attacks while balancing diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan. The government has vowed to continue safeguarding citizens and border personnel in this volatile area.
