Pakistan, May 15 -- Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has warned that Afghanistan remains a major security concern for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He said terrorism and drug trafficking continue to threaten regional stability. The remarks were made during the 21st SCO Security Council secretaries' meeting.

Shoigu claimed that between 18,000 and 23,000 militants linked to more than 20 groups are active in Afghanistan. He also estimated around 3,000 ISIS-affiliated fighters in the country. He warned that extremist networks continue to expand despite counterterrorism efforts.

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He further raised concerns about foreign fighters moving from Syria into Afgha...