At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's defense ministers' meeting in Kazakhstan, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that the main threat to Central Asia originates from terrorists based in Afghanistan.

The Russian Defense Minister also spoke at the meeting about America's efforts to regain influence in the region following its withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Sergei Shoigu said, "The main danger to Central Asia comes from extremist terrorist groups based in Afghanistan, and the United States is trying to influence the region after its 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan."

The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly stated that Afghan soil will not be used against any country.

Some military experts believe that there are no terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

Abdul Hadi Quraishi, a military affairs expert, told TOLOnews: "Russia and China should be assured that there is no threat from Afghan soil against Central Asia and the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and it is the policy of the Islamic Emirate that Afghan soil does not pose a threat to any country in the world and will not do so."

Hekmatullah Hekmat, a military affairs expert, said: "Afghan soil is currently not hosting any terrorist groups, and it is the hope of the current government's officials to maintain their neutrality in such interactions and consider national interests."

The Islamic Emirate has consistently called the claims of terrorist groups' presence in Afghanistan unfounded.