8am: Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, has stated that approximately 18,000 to 23,000 fighters affiliated with more than 20 different groups are active in Afghanistan. The TASS news agency reported on Thursday, 14 May 2026, that Sergei Shoigu made these remarks during a meeting of the secretaries of security bodies of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). According to him, in addition to this situation, the entry of foreign fighters from other regions into Afghanistan is also continuing, which has increased security challenges. Click here to read  more (external link).