Afghanistan Condemns Attack On Tajikistan That Kills 3 Chinese Workers

UNSPLASH/Anton Rybakov ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Afghanistan has expressed "deep regret" and strongly condemns cross-border attacks on neighboring Tajikistan that killed three Chinese workers and injured a worker.

Preliminary assessments show "These incidents involve elements trying to create chaos, instability, and distrust among countries in the region," said Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal as reported by the Associated Press, Friday, November 28.

He said Afghanistan "ensures full cooperation with the Tajikistan government and is fully prepared for the exchange of information, technical cooperation, and joint investigations to find the cause of the incident."

On Thursday, Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry said the attack was carried out the night before from inside Afghanistan using an unmanned aircraft equipped with grenades and firearms.

"Although Tajikistan continues to seek security and create a peaceful atmosphere and stability in the border area between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, disturbing acts by criminal groups in Afghanistan are still continuing," he said.

He called on Afghan authorities to ensure security in border areas.

The Chinese Embassy in Tajikistan urged its citizens to "retain themselves from investing or working in the Tajikistan-Afghan border area," and advised those already in the region to "refuge as soon as possible."

The relationship between Tajikistan and Afghanistan has long been strained, especially after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, when Tajikistan cut all ties with its southern neighbors.

However, there are signs of gradual improvement in relations, with the reopening of markets in border areas in 2023, and a visit by the Tajikistan delegation to Kabul earlier this month.