"The international situation is characterized by a higher level of instability and a rise in the number of armed conflicts, while international institutions' role in tackling them decreases," Gerasimov said at an international conference on Afghanistan.
Gerasimov, Russia’s deputy defense minister, said that a worsening military situation in Afghanistan has slowed its economic growth, while a rising outflow of drugs, weapons and trained Islamist fighters from the country undermine the security of neighboring countries, specifically in Central Asia.
Russia’s General Staff asserts that the presence of Islamic State in Afghanistan is increasing and stands currently at 2,000 to 3,000 militants.
Terror attacks on the Afghan territory have killed over 3,500 people and wounded some 7,000 since the start of the year.
