Multiple Afghan radical groups pose a major threat to Central Asian countries, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Council of Defense Ministers in Bishkek.

According to Belousov, there are more than 20 radical groups in Afghanistan with a total strength of over 15,000 people.

“The main threat in the Central Asian region still comes from numerous radical groups in Afghanistan. The likelihood of their penetration into the territories of neighboring countries and further infiltration is growing,” Belousov said.

He pointed at the negative impact of the situation in the Middle East. According to him, instability in the Middle East is leading to the movement of militants from there to Central Asian countries, among others.

Belousov also noted that the CSTO coalition forces must be on high alert.