Afghanistan has 18,000–23,000 militants operating — Shoygu

According to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoygu, between 18,000 and 23,000 militants from various groups are currently operating in Afghanistan.

Shoygu emphasized that the situation in Afghanistan is of particular importance for ensuring security in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization space. Russia views this threat as a regional priority in shaping collective policy in Central and South Asia.