TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN: The Executive Committee Head of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), Ularbek Sharsheev, has issued a stark warning regarding the growing presence and activity of international terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Syria. Sharsheev cautioned that these groups are actively working to establish “sleeper cells” in Central Asian countries, posing a significant threat to regional security.
Sharsheev delivered the warning during the 11th International Conference on the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure, held in Tashkent from November 20-21.
The RATS chief highlighted the sophisticated and multi-faceted tactics employed by these terrorist organizations. He stated that the groups are not only actively recruiting fighters in Central Asia but are also leveraging fraudulent documents to move militants across borders. The goals of these cross-border movements are to launch attacks, collect funds for their operations, and expand their ranks within the SCO member states.
The escalating threat from groups operating in the unstable zones of Afghanistan and Syria underscores the urgent need for a robust, coordinated response from regional powers.
In response to the mounting challenges, participants at the conference emphasized the critical importance of enhancing international collaboration. A key proposal emerged from the discussions: the creation of a Global Center to combat these threats, to be established in Tashkent.
This proposed center would function as a central hub for information sharing and the coordination of counter-terrorism efforts across the SCO member states and with international agencies. The initiative reflects the SCO’s commitment to taking more proactive steps to mitigate the risks posed by militant groups, whose presence could significantly destabilize the entire Central Asian region.
By improving intelligence-sharing and focusing on the prevention of radicalization, the SCO hopes the new collaborative framework will help curb the spread of extremism and bolster security across its member countries.