1TV: “We have recorded a surge in activity of ISIS units in Afghanistan, united in the so-called Wilayah Khorasan,” Alexander Bortnikov said at the Council of the Heads of Security Agencies and Intelligence Services of the Central Asian states. Due to their looming defeat in Syria and Iraq, international terrorist organizations are hastily withdrawing their remaining forces
By Bruce Pannier Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty November 6, 2019 A deadly attack on a Tajik border post reported early on November 6 is disturbing for many reasons, including the fact Tajik officials are blaming the so-called Islamic State (IS) militant group for the assault that authorities say left at least two security servicemen and 15
By Bruce Pannier Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty October 25, 2019 A new proposal by Pakistani officials could bring much needed energy to people in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan during the frigid winters in a long-planned project that will also see Central Asian energy go to Afghanistan and Pakistan. A chain of hydropower plants strung across Tajikistan
Bruce Pannier Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty August 24, 2019 Fostering peace is a complicated process, and Uzbekistan just received a strong hint that best intentions can be interpreted as unwanted actions. Tashkent is trying to help promote peace in Afghanistan. Other parties are too, but the outcome of events in Afghanistan has a direct bearing
By Farangis Najibullah Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty August 12, 2019 A little-known, 31-year-old Tajik man who grew up in a Dushanbe suburb has emerged as a unit leader of the Islamic State (IS) affiliate in Afghanistan as the extremist group tries to expand its footprint in the war-torn country. A recent report by the UN
1TV: On Thursday, a Taliban delegation led by its deputy leader Mullah Baradar visited Uzbekistan and met foreign minister of the country, Abdulaziz Kamilov. During the meeting, the sides discussed the issues related to the promotion of the peaceful political process in Afghanistan in order to establish sustainable and long-term peace in the country, Uzbekistan’s foreign
The Diplomat: Tashkent is set to become a dominant trade partner to Afghanistan as the two sides continue to negotiate on major projects. Uzbekistan has focused on fostering trade relations both globally and regionally. Tashkent has chased and negotiated various trade opportunities, and one country that stands out is Afghanistan. Click here to read more (external
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty February 21, 2019 Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani have signed an agreement on a strategic partnership between their countries. Turkmenistan’s State Information Agency said the two leaders signed the document in Ashgabat on February 21 after discussing bilateral trade, energy, and cultural ties. Berdymukhammedov reportedly said Turkmenistan
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty September 9, 2018 Gas-rich Turkmenistan has inaugurated a refurbished and expanded Soviet-era power plant that it hopes will help it boost exports to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov on September 8 attended ceremonies for the opening of the $1.2 billion electricity plant near the Central Asian’s southeastern region of
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (August 3, 2018): Kyrgyz riders played in a championship game of kok-boru (buzkashi) on August 30 in Bishkek. In the traditional sport, popular across Central Asia, horsemen battle to drag a goat’s carcass toward a goal. Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201