The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) condemned the armed attacks in Tajikistan’s border areas in a statement issued on December 3. The attacks, carried out by criminal groups from Afghanistan, resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
"SCO strongly condemns the armed attacks that occurred on November 26 and 30, when criminal groups launched attacks on Tajikistan’s border areas from Afghan territory, leading to human casualties and infrastructure destruction," the statement reads.
The SCO expressed support for Tajikistan’s "ongoing efforts to ensure security and create an atmosphere of mutually beneficial cooperation and stability in the border regions of Tajikistan and Afghanistan."
The organization also emphasized that Afghan territory should not be used to create threats to the security of neighboring countries and the region as a whole.
The SCO also extended its condolences to the families of the victims.
Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Kabul Zhao Xing discussed with Mohammad Naeem Wardak, Deputy Foreign Minister for Finance and Administration in the Taliban government, the attack on Chinese citizens in Tajikistan’s border areas.
A representative of the Taliban stated that the attack on Chinese citizens was the work of "enemies" seeking to sow "distrust" between the countries. Wardak expressed regret over the incident and confirmed that an investigation had already begun.
In response, the Chinese Ambassador praised the "serious position" of the Taliban regarding the attack on Chinese citizens, noting that the perpetrators of the attacks are trying to "harm the relations between China and Afghanistan."
On December 2, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin held a phone conversation to discuss measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As a reminder, two attacks occurred on November 26 and 30 from the Afghan side, targeting Chinese citizens working in Tajikistan’s border regions. As a result of these incidents, five Chinese nationals were killed, and five others were injured.
