CSTO on Deploying Troops to Afghanistan

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) maintains a defensive policy and does not plan to deploy troops to Afghanistan. This was stated by the organization's Secretary-General Stanislav Zas during an interview on the Mir-24 television channel.

“These are absolutely unfounded rumors. The CSTO is exclusively a defensive military-political organization. It can only use collective defense forces within the responsibility zone of the CSTO,” Zas said in response to a question about whether the organization would send troops to Afghanistan.

The Taliban has launched a comprehensive operation to establish control over Afghanistan following the announcement by the United States in spring to withdraw its forces. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani resigned and left the country, while the Taliban entered Kabul without a fight. Forces opposed to the radical regime have organized resistance in the Panjshir province, led by Ahmad Massoud. Former Vice President Amrullah Saleh has called for support and declared himself the acting head of state.

Western countries are evacuating their citizens, embassy staff, and Afghan associates. Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the Ministry of Defense to evacuate Russians, nationals of CSTO countries, and Ukrainians, TASS reported.