Breaking: Cross-Border Attacks in Tajikistan Raise fears of Escalation,5 Chinese Nationals Killed
Dushanbe,Tajikistan – A surge in cross-border attacks originating from Afghanistan is fueling tensions between Tajikistan and the Taliban-led government,with five Chinese citizens employed by Chinese construction companies killed in two separate incidents within the past month. The attacks have prompted strong condemnation from Tajikistan and demands for increased border security from Kabul.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 18:45 local time near the village of Shodak, in Tajikistan’s Darvaz district. Gunfire reportedly originated from the Afghan village of Ruzvayak, located in the Mohi Mai district of Badakhshan province, targeting employees of China Road and Bridge Corporation, a Chinese state-owned construction company. Two Chinese nationals were killed and two others injured.
This follows a similar attack on November 26th in the Shamshiddin Shohin district, where three Chinese employees of the Shokhin-SM company were killed and one injured. Both attacks were traced back to Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province.
Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security (GKNB) has expressed ”deep concern” and “strongly condemns the alarming actions by this criminal group,” calling on the current Afghan authorities to take “timely and effective action.” The Tajik Foreign Ministry labeled the attacks a “brutal act by a terrorist group” and urged Afghan authorities to ensure the security of the border region.
In response, the Taliban representatives offered condolences to Tajikistan and China, stating the attacks were carried out by factions attempting to “create tension and distrust between countries in the region.” They expressed willingness to cooperate in investigations and information sharing.
Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon convened an emergency meeting with security officials, “strongly condemn[ing] the illegal and provocative actions of Afghans” and ordering stricter preventive measures and increased surveillance along the entire border zone.
Tajikistan has taken “additional steps to strengthen border protection and ensure the safety of tajik citizens and foreign workers,” according to the GKNB. The situation is currently reported as “stable and under control,” with investigations ongoing.
(tps/luc)