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Russia-led bloc to provide assistance to Tajikistan if situation on Afghan border unravels

Situation in Afghanistan is of particular concern to the Collective Security Treaty Organization, CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas noted

DUSHANBE, September 15. /TASS/. Member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will provide assistance to Tajikistan, if the situation on the border with Afghanistan worsens, CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas told reporters following a joint meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers, the Council of Foreign Ministers and the Committee of Secretaries of the CSTO Security Councils.

He stressed that the situation in Afghanistan was of particular concern to the post-Soviet security bloc.

"All CSTO member states agree on the issue and have once again reaffirmed their shared stance. All necessary military and diplomatic assistance will be provided to Tajikistan, if the situation on the CSTO’s southern borders deteriorates," Zas said.

After the US announced the end of its operation in Afghanistan and the beginning of its troop withdrawal, the Taliban (outlawed in Russia) launched an offensive against Afghan government forces. On August 15, Taliban militants swept into Kabul without encountering any resistance, establishing full control over the country’s capital within a few hours. Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani said he had stepped down to prevent any bloodshed and subsequently fled the country. On September 7, the Taliban announced the composition of its interim government. They could not approve the cabinet for two weeks, citing "technical problems".

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Afghanistan Tajikistan CSTO

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