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Kremlin concerned over new hotbed of tension at Afghanistan-Tajikistan border

The development of the situation in Afghanistan amid the withdrawal of US and other forces from this country is a reason for our close attention and for concern, Dmitry Peskov noted

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Russia is concerned over the unfolding of the situation in Afghanistan and the emergency of a new hotbed of tension at the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan amid the NATO withdrawal, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Wednesday.

"Overall, of course, the development of the situation in Afghanistan amid the withdrawal of US and other forces from this country is a reason for our close attention and for concern. […] Tajikistan is a state that is very close to us, that is our partner. Indeed, the emergence of a new hotbed of tension, of threat is something that concerns us," the spokesman said.

On June 22, the State Committee of National Security of Tajikistan announced that 134 Afghan troopers had to retreat to the Tajikistan territory after a Taliban (outlawed in Russia) attack on the Sherkhan Bandar border checkpoint. One serviceman died, and four were injured in the attack. The Committee characterized the situation at the border as tense.

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