Ularbek Sharsheev, Executive Committee Head of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure, has issued a stark warning about the growing activity of international terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Syria.

According to Sharsheev, these groups are actively working to establish“sleeper cells” in Central Asian countries, posing a significant threat to regional security. His remarks came during the 11th International Conference on the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in Tashkent on November 20-21.

Sharsheev's warning highlights the sophisticated tactics employed by terrorist organizations, which continue to recruit fighters and plan attacks through third-party countries. He stated that these groups are not only targeting Central Asia for recruitment but are also using fraudulent documents to move militants across borders to launch attacks, fund their operations, and expand their ranks.

As part of the discussions, participants emphasized the importance of international collaboration to address these mounting security challenges. The creation of a global center to combat these threats in Tashkent was proposed as a practical response to the increasing terrorism risks facing SCO member states. The center would serve as a hub for information sharing and coordinated efforts to combat terrorism across the region.

The escalating threat from international terrorist organizations in Afghanistan and Syria highlights the urgent need for increased cooperation among regional powers and international agencies. The conference's outcome suggests that the SCO is committed to taking more proactive steps in addressing the evolving security threats in Central Asia, where the presence of militant groups could destabilize the entire region.

The creation of a global anti-terrorism center in Tashkent could provide a more robust framework for addressing the challenges posed by growing terrorist activities. By improving intelligence-sharing, enhancing regional cooperation, and focusing on the prevention of radicalization, the SCO hopes to curb the spread of extremism and bolster security across its member countries. This collaborative approach could help mitigate the risks posed by international terrorist networks and safeguard the stability of Central Asia in the face of increasing instability.

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