The National Security Advisor of Afghanistan, Hamdullah Mohib, who addressed a conference in Russia on Tuesday, said that the nature of hybrid threats in the region is complex, and multi-faceted and it requires serious and collective action to fight them.
Mohib said that counterterrorism efforts need to remain a top priority for countries in the region in order to ensure the national security of regional countries and improve regional socio-economic development.
“At least 50 people pay the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism on a daily basis, which makes Afghanistan as the country at the frontlines of the fight against terrorism. But this menace threatens all of our countries,” he said.
He said that narcotics is known as the main source of revenue for terrorism that generates billions of dollars every year. “Joint and coordinated action is required to fight this evil phenomenon,” he added.
“Similarly, countering financial crimes is key to ensuring the national security of our states; fight against money laundering, illegal money transactions through unregistered hawala systems, fundraising for terrorism through unmonitored charities in the region are a must,” he said.
He pointed out to border cooperation and said that “thousands cross borders in our region illegally to join terrorist groups, receive training, and target our citizens”.
He said that joint cooperation to manage our borders in the region, share information in real time, and equip border forces with the required technology is important to fight hybrid threats.
Mohib mentioned that cybercrimes are another means of hybrid warfare which is threatening the countries in the region.
“Afghanistan stands ready to enter into bilateral and regional partnerships through MoUs to limit and eliminate the use of the cyberspace by destructive elements that create terror in our societies and prevent us from development,” he said.
This comes as Russia has hosted several conferences on Afghan peace process, including at least two rounds of Afghan dialogue between Taliban representatives and politicians outside of government.
