Tajikistan seeks CSTO military support amid border attacks – media

Tengrinews.kz – Tajikistan is reportedly in talks with Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) over possible military assistance following a series of deadly attacks near the Afghan border, Reuters reported, citing security sources.

According to the agency, discussions intensified after two separate assaults carried out from Afghan territory left five Chinese nationals dead and five others injured.

The first attack occurred overnight on November 26 in Khatlon Region, where armed men crossing from Afghanistan targeted a camp of Chinese workers, killing three.
A second incident took place on November 30 in the village of Shodak in the Darvaz district of GBAO, where attackers opened fire on construction workers. Two Chinese citizens were killed and two more wounded.

In response, China advised its citizens working in mining and business projects to leave border areas.

Sources told Reuters that Tajikistan is considering the option of involving troops from Russia’s military base located near Dushanbe. Russian helicopters could also be deployed to patrol the border if the talks progress.

One source said a decision could be made “within days,” while two others confirmed the negotiations were underway. Defense ministries in both Tajikistan and Russia declined to comment, and the CSTO did not respond to Reuters’ request.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry denied reports that the country had requested military assistance. Shohin Samadi, head of the ministry’s information department, told Asia-Plus that the claim was inaccurate and said an official statement would be issued soon.