Clashes on the Tajik-Afghan border leave four militants killed

Four armed militants who illegally crossed into Tajikistan from Afghanistan have been killed. This was reported in a statement published by the press center of the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security of Tajikistan on the website of the Khovar news agency.

According to the statement, four armed members of a terrorist organization crossed the border illegally from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province into Tajikistan’s Khatlon region on the night of January 18. The report notes that the militants ignored border guards’ orders to surrender and offered armed resistance.

“As a result of the combat engagement, all four terrorists were neutralized,” the statement said.

At the scene, law enforcement officers seized three Kalashnikov assault rifles, a rifle, a pistol, ammunition and other munitions, as well as three mobile phones, a radio transmitter, and a boat.

The State Committee for National Security stated that all available forces and resources will continue to be used to ensure the security of the state border. A criminal case has been opened in connection with the incident, and an investigation is underway. The situation along the Tajik-Afghan border is currently reported to be under control.

Situation on the Tajik-Afghan border

In November and December 2025, Tajik territory was shelled twice from the Afghan side. As a result of these attacks, five Chinese nationals—employees of the Shoxin SM enterprise and a construction company—were killed, and five others were injured. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon strongly condemned the provocative actions of Afghan nationals and ordered measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to take effective steps to ensure stability and security along the state border.

On December 24, it was reported that four new border posts had been opened along the Tajik-Afghan border. On the same day, another clash occurred, during which three members of a terrorist organization who had illegally crossed the border were killed, while two Tajik border guards lost their lives.

In November 2024, at a session of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization held in Astana, a targeted interstate CSTO program aimed at strengthening the Tajik-Afghan border was adopted. At the time, then CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov announced that implementation of the five-year program would begin in 2025. In December, CSTO Secretariat adviser Pavel Sarkisyan stated that Tajikistan had already compiled a list of weapons and equipment required for border protection under the program, which are currently being produced in other CSTO member states.

Tajikistan has the longest border with Afghanistan among Central Asian countries, stretching 1,344 kilometers, and directly borders four of Afghanistan’s northeastern provinces.

Following the United States’ decision to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban seized power in the country. According to Tajik authorities, fighters from various terrorist organizations continue to operate in Afghanistan, including in its northeastern regions.