Russia will protect Tajikistan if it faces Taliban aggression: Russian Dy. Foreign Minister, Andrei Rudenko

Moscow: There are indeed reports that the Taliban cannot control the situation in northern Afghanistan. Still, we hope they will honour the promises they have made about not attacking neighbours. However, Russia is ready to protect its ally Tajikistan in case of any incursions from neighbouring Afghanistan, declared Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko.

As per the information given by Russian media, the Taliban has established cooperation with the Tajik militants in Afghanistan. These militants are claimed to have prepared to invade the Tajikistan border and attack the regions. They can carry out attacks to teach a lesson to Amrullah Saleh and Ahmad Massoud trying to fight against Taliban, say the Russian media.

Moreover, a few weeks ago, news had surfaced that Taliban deployed a thousand militants from Mansoori Islamic Emirate near the Tajikistan border. This Talibani group is known for suicide bombing. In such a situation, by deploying Mansoori and Tajik militants near the Tajikistan border, the Taliban is prepared for massive bloodshed. Russia has noticed this as a grave concern and indicated to Tajikistan that it would provide its army assistance to counter the threat.

All necessary assistance will be provided to Tajikistan if required, both within the (Moscow-led) Collective Security Treaty Organisation framework established between Russia and Soviet Russian member nations and bilaterally, said Rudenko. Russia has a big military base situated in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Moreover, a few days ago, Russia had joined Tajikistan in the recent war exercises held near the Afghanistan border.

Meanwhile, Russia has invited Taliban for the discussion next week. Before that, Russia seems to have warned Taliban by assuring protection to Tajikistan.