Terrorist threat against Uzbekistan remains – State Security Service Chief

The threat of terrorist attacks against Uzbekistan originating from abroad remains a major concern. The statement was made by Chairman of the State Security Service, General Colonel Bakhodir Qurbоnov, during an expanded meeting of the Security Council chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on January 13, focused on strengthening the country’s military security and defense.

“Against the backdrop of escalating military, political, and economic tensions in the world, terrorist attacks remain one of the main threats to our region, including Uzbekistan. The subversive intentions of terrorist organizations operating in conflict zones toward our country persist,” the general said.

According to Qurbоnov, recruitment by representatives of religious extremist groups through the internet continues, with radical ideas being actively promoted among young people, particularly labor migrants abroad.

“Last year, 11 planned terrorist attacks intended to be carried out in Uzbekistan and abroad were prevented. The destructive activities of 11 individuals from Central Asia linked to these plots were stopped,” he said.

He also emphasized that the virtual space, especially social media platforms, has increasingly become a primary source for spreading destructive ideas among the population, negatively affecting the religious environment.

In addition, Qurbоnov noted that cross-border threats, including drug trafficking and the illegal smuggling of weapons and material goods across the state border, remain a pressing issue.