Central Asia, comprising five countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), holds significant importance in global affairs due to its geographical location, economic resources, and regional politics. Situated strategically between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the region has become a hub for competition amongst global powers, the race for dominance overlaps the region’s economic and security matters.
Central Asia is a key member of regional economic organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which play vital roles in strengthening economic and trade cooperation, particularly, Russia and China trade partnership added more significance to the region's geo-economic posture.
However, in recent years, Central Asia has witnessed the rise of jihadi armed groups, which have considerably impacted the region's political environment, economic stability, and development. The (Jihadist) groups exploit social, economic, and political challenges to create a persistent state of violence, extremism, and instability, making efforts toward sustainable development more difficult.
The region has become an area of growing concern due to the increased presence of jihadi activities, particularly with its proximity to Afghanistan and the spread of extremist ideologies, since several key jihadist groups have bonds to the Central Asian countries.
The future of jihadist activities in the region largely depends on the current situation in Afghanistan, where devotion to extremism has heightened, and expanded to the entire region. Despite central Asia’s enforcing strict security measures to address the root causes of extremism remain a significant challenge for these countries.
Central Asia continues to be a complex region for jihadist activities, but governments and international partners are working together to prevent the real threats posed by jihadi terrorist networks. Nevertheless, violent extremism results in a serious risk to the region's security and political stability.
The nations, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan face a range of social, economic, and political challenges that create a conducive environment for extremism. Due to their immediacy to Afghanistan, the spread of religious extremism, and weak economic and governmental structures, Central Asia has become a significant area for the growth of extremist activities.
Overview of Jihadi Organizations in Central Asia
Several jihadi organizations operate in Central Asia with varying objectives and strategies. Central Asia has been a key target for such groups, particularly after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan. The region faces serious threats to its security from numerous extremist and jihadi groups. Due to its proximity to Afghanistan and internal political and economic issues, the area has become a fertile ground for extremist groups to exert influence.
Currently, there are dozens of active jihadi and extremist groups in Central Asia operating, though, the most significant and influential ones, numbered between seven and ten, playing an active role.
Some of these groups engage in armed activities, while others focus on spreading extremist ideologies.
Prominent Violent Jihadi groups
1: Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU)
The IMU was founded in the 1990s with the aim of establishing an Islamic state in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries. Historically, it has had ties with both the Taliban and al-Qaeda, basically, operating across Pak-Afghan region. The IMU is considered a threatening jihadi organization and has been a significant factor in the instability and insecurity of Central Asia.
The group seeks to create an Islamic caliphate in the region, posing a severe threat to local governments. Initially, the IMU aimed to overthrow Uzbekistan’s secular government under Islam Karimov and establish an Islamic state. Led by Tahir Yuldash and Juma Namangani. The group expanded its activities beyond Uzbekistan into Central Asia and Afghanistan, particularly after pledging allegiance to the Taliban's leader, Mullah Omar, and gaining the support of al-Qaeda’s Osama bin Laden.
The IMU fighters, with the Taliban and al-Qaeda backing, extended their operations into Afghanistan and Pakistan, becoming an integral part of regional and global jihadi networks.
While their primary goal was the creation of an Islamic caliphate in Uzbekistan, the IMU eventually adopted international ambitions. It now operates training camps in northern Afghanistan and prepares for armed conflict against the governments of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other Central Asian countries. After the U.S.-led intervention in Afghanistan in 2001, which toppled the first Taliban regime, the IMU continued to support the Taliban combating the Afghan Republic Government.
The group remained highly active in the country, playing a significant role in northern Afghanistan's insurgency.
In 2015, some IMU members aligned themselves with the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), fighting for the group in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Although the IMU initially had close ties with the Taliban, the rise of ISIS prompted some members to switch allegiances. The IMU’s largest support has historically come from the Taliban, which provided safe havens, training, and logistical assistance during their first rule in Afghanistan.
Now, under the Taliban’s second rule, the country has become a strategic base for the IMU, with several military camps operating in northern provinces like Badghis and Faryab.
Additionally, the IMU has close ties with the Pakistani Taliban (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), running military training camps and safe havens in areas like Waziristan and Chitral, where they plan terror setups. The group has also established connections with ISKP, recruiting Tajik fighters in northeastern Afghanistan, particularly in regions like Kunar and Nuristan. The IMU primarily finances itself through illegal activities such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking. Much of its smuggling occurs across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Furthermore, the group receives financial funding from other jihadist groups and charities that covertly support terrorism. The charities fund the IMU under the guise of humanitarian aid. Through the so-called Humanitarian Aid the IMU fighters have been trained in Taliban and al-Qaeda military camps in Pak-Afghan region.
The sites provide extensive training in guerrilla warfare, bomb-making, and the use of heavy weaponry. The group also continues to receive logistical and military support from the Taliban and al-Qaeda, often cooperating in joint operations.
2: Islamic Jihad Union (IJU)
The Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) is an extremist jihadist organization that originated from Uzbekistan and is particularly focused on Central Asia. It splintered from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) in ‘’2002’’ and established close ties with al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
The IJU is currently led by ‘’Ilimbek Mamatov’’, with its strongholds reportedly in Waziristan and Afghanistan’s Nuristan province. Although the number of fighters fluctuates, the group is estimated to have between ‘’100’’and ‘’200’’ fighters, and their numbers are growing. The IJU operates mainly in Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Syria. Governments in Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan consider the IJU a serious security threat due to its efforts to impose Islamic law and overthrow regional governments.
The group has been held responsible for attacks in ‘’Tashkent’’ in 2004 and 2005. The IJU has close ties with al-Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban, from whom it has gained combat experience to operate across the region.
3: Katibat Imam al-Bukhari (KIB)
Katibat Imam al-Bukhari (KIB) is a dangerous jihadist organization composed mainly of Central Asian fighters. It operates in Syria and Afghanistan, aiming to establish Islamic rule by enforcing Sharia law and creating an Islamic state in Central Asia. The group has strong ties with both the Taliban and al-Qaeda, making a significant security threat to the region. The KIB was primarily formed by ‘’Uzbek fighters’’, and the group is named after the renowned Islamic scholar ‘’Imam al-Bukhari’’, who was born in Bukhara, present-day Uzbekistan.
The group’s current leader is reported to be ‘’Abu Yusuf al-Muhajir’’, but the leadership structure is kept secret, and little information is available about other leaders. In Syria, the KIB has been active in combat, particularly in ‘’Idlib’’, where it has fought alongside ‘’Jabhat al-Nusra’’ (now known as ‘’Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham’’). The group has also cooperated closely with the Taliban, especially after the Taliban's return to power, and has participated in their military campaigns. The KIB poses a significant security threat to Central Asian countries as its members include fighters from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, who could potentially bring instability to their home countries.
4: Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP)
The ‘’Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP)’’, previously known as the ‘’East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM)’’, is a jihadist group primarily composed of Uyghur Muslims from China's Xinjiang (East Turkistan) region.
The TIP's main goal is to establish an independent Islamic state in Xinjiang, free from Chinese rule, governed by Sharia law. Formed in the ‘’1990s’’, the TIP initially focused on fighting Chinese control in Xinjiang but later expanded its operations and joined the global jihadist movement.
The group gained international support from jihadist organizations such as al-Qaeda and the Taliban and now operates in Afghanistan, Syria, and other regions. The TIP's key commanders include ‘’Abdul Haq al-Turkistani’’, ‘’Abdul Salam’’, and ‘’Mullah Ibrahim Turkistani’’, the stepbrother of Abdul Haq al-Turkistani. Despite suffering significant setbacks due to Chinese counterterrorism operations, the group continues to view Xinjiang as the historical homeland of Uyghur Muslims and seeks to liberate it from Chinese domination.
During the Taliban’s first rule in Afghanistan, the TIP found safe havens in northern Afghanistan, and after the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the group has reportedly reestablished its presence across ‘’13 provinces’’ in Afghanistan, including Faryab, Jowzjan, Badghis, and Zabul.
5: Jamaat Ansarullah
Jamaat Ansarullah is an armed jihadist group operating mainly in Tajikistan, formed in 2006, it is driven by extremist and jihadist ideologies and seeks to overthrow the Tajik government to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. The group emerged in response to the Tajik government's crackdown on extremist groups. Jamaat Ansarullah follows a Salafi-Jihadist ideology and promotes radical Islam. The group is led by Muhammad Sharifov, also known as ‘’Mahdi Arslan’’, together with ‘’Qari Safiullah’’. Jamaat Ansarullah poses a significant threat to Tajikistan's stability, actively working against the government and seeking to spread extremist ideologies in the region.
6: Tehreek-e- Taliban Tajikistan (TTT)
The Tajikistan Taliban Movement (TTT) is a relatively new jihadist group that emerged in ‘’July 2022’’. It was officially founded under the leadership of ‘’Mahdi Arslan’’ in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province. The group draws inspiration from the successes of the Taliban in Afghanistan and has announced its intention to establish an Islamic regime in Tajikistan. The TTT aims to challenge the Tajik government and implement Islamic rule based on strict interpretations of Sharia law.
7: Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad (KTJ)
Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad (KTJ) is a jihadist organization formed in 2013 by Sirojiddin Mukhtarov (Saran Shamsutdinov) from Uzbekistan. The group consists of jihadists from Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. KTJ is primarily active in Syria, where it has participated in battles, and it is aligned with the transnational jihadist movement. The group's ideology centers around establishing an ‘’Islamic caliphate’’ governed by Sharia law. KTJ is heavily involved in the jihadist network in Syria, working closely with groups like Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
8: Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K)
The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), also known as ISKP, is the regional affiliate of ISIS, established in ‘’2015’’. Operating primarily in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia, while seeking to create an Islamic caliphate in the region. The group was initially led by Hafiz Saeed Khan, a former commander of the Pakistani Taliban. ISIS-K poses a significant security threat to Central Asia as it actively recruits fighters from countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, coaching them in Afghanistan. ISIS-K uses cyber propaganda to target youth and exploits regional instability to expand its influence.
Hence, the rise of jihadist groups has compelled Central Asian governments, especially in countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, to adopt stricter measures. These governments impose severe restrictions on religious activities and civil liberties to prevent the spread of radical ideologies.
Jihadist Groups and their Impact on geoeconomic posture of Central Asia
The activities of jihadist groups have led to economic instability in Central Asia, driven by factors such as:
- Decline in Foreign Investment
The threat of terrorism and violence deters foreign investments, as businesses are reluctant to operate in insecure regions, which slows down economic growth.
- Drop in Tourism
Insecurity also damages the tourism sector, which is a crucial source of revenue for some Central Asian countries. A decrease in tourism leads to job losses and a reduction in economic activity.
Broader Waves of Jihadist Group Expansion in Central Asia
a: Political Instability
Jihadist groups threaten regional governments through acts of violence and terrorism. These activities undermine the legitimacy of states and create political instability. In response, governments often implement heavy-handed security measures, which in turn restrict civil and political freedoms.
b: Economic Impact
Jihadist activities hinder economic stability by disrupting trade and investment. The resulting violence and instability prevent businesses from operating normally, which slows economic development. Central Asian governments are forced to allocate significant funds to security and military operations rather than development projects and public services.
c: Human Resources and Migration
Violence and conflict have had detrimental effects on people's lives. Many are forced to flee their homes, leading to displacement and migration, which further strains the region's social and economic systems.
d: Regional and International Cooperation
The threat of jihadist groups has prompted Central Asian countries to strengthen security and economic cooperation with global powers like Russia, China, and the United States. This cooperation influences the region's political leadership and foreign policy.
An Optional Counterterrorism strategy for Central Asia
The prevention of extremist and jihadist organizations’ expansion in Central Asia is a significant challenge that shakes security, politics, and the economy. Jihadist extremism is considered a major source of instability in the region, prompting governments to adopt various measures. Combating this complex threat requires a multi-faceted approach, including military, intelligence, economic, and social strategies. Key steps involve addressing poverty and unemployment, promoting anti-extremism education, supporting moderate religious leaders, and fostering regional cooperation to establish lasting security and stability.
1: Security Measures and Intelligence Cooperation
Efforts to curb extremism, terrorism, and the spread of jihadist organizations are critical to maintaining regional and international security. Enhanced security measures and intelligence cooperation aim to identify and neutralize extremist groups and terrorist networks before, they can carry out attacks. Strengthening border control and preventing the trafficking of weapons and fighters is essential for regional stability. Some of the key security measures include: -
a) Border Control
Central Asia shares long and porous borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, making it easier for extremist groups to operate and for militants to move across borders, effective border control is crucial, and the following steps are recommended:
•: Strengthening Border Patrols
Improving surveillance and control at the borders can prevent the movement of armed groups and the trafficking of weapons and equipment.
•: Regional Intelligence Sharing
Collaboration between Central Asian countries and with larger powers like Russia and China can lead to more effective detection of terrorist networks and disruption of their activities.
b) Military Operations and Diplomatic Pressure
•: Targeting Jihadist Bases and Safe Havens
Governments should conduct joint military operations against extremist groups, especially in areas where such groups are active.
•: Engaging with Groups like the Taliban
Diplomatic engagement with groups like the Taliban can help prevent the spread of jihadist influence from Afghanistan into neighboring Central Asian countries.
2: Social and Economic Reforms
Social and economic reforms are vital tools in preventing the expansion and recruitment efforts of extremist and jihadist groups. The goal of these reforms is to improve living conditions, particularly for youth, to prevent them from being drawn into extremist activities. Below are the primary objectives of these reforms: -
•: Reducing Poverty and Unemployment
Many people, especially young men, are vulnerable to extremist recruitment due to economic hardship. Investing in job creation, education, and skills development can help reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies.
•: Improving Education and Promoting Anti-Extremism Ideals
Education plays a crucial role in preventing radicalization. By introducing anti-extremism curricula and promoting tolerance and civic responsibility, schools can help build resilience against extremist ideologies.
•: Supporting Moderate Religious Leaders
Governments should work with moderate religious scholars and institutions to promote interpretations of Islam that reject extremism and violence. This can help counter the radical narratives used by extremist groups to justify their actions.
3: Regional and International Cooperation
•: Strengthening Alliances
Central Asian countries should continue to strengthen their security and economic ties with international powers, including Russia, China, and the U.S., to enhance their capacity to combat terrorism.
•: Engaging Multilateral Organizations
By working with organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the United Nations, Central Asian countries can benefit from international support in addressing the root causes of extremism.
- Reducing Unemployment and Poverty
High levels of unemployment and poverty push people, especially youth, towards extremist groups as an alternative. Economic reforms aim to reduce poverty levels and create job opportunities, empowering individuals financially and keeping them away from extremist influences.
- Preventing Youth Recruitment
Youth is the primary target group for extremist organizations. Creating job opportunities, increasing access to education, and enhancing skill development provide young people with positive alternatives, preventing their attraction to extremist groups.
- Education and Raising Awareness
Education reforms and strengthening standard educational systems aim to increase awareness, particularly among youth, about the dangers of extremist ideologies while providing them with the skills necessary for civil life. These reforms include creating educational programs based on peace, tolerance, and civic values.
- Social Justice and Equality
Promoting justice and equality in society helps reduce social dissatisfaction and perceived injustice. Expanding social services such as healthcare, education, and family support prevents people from turning to extremist groups, which often position themselves as alternatives to societal injustices.
- Development of Underprivileged Areas
Improving economically stagnant regions facing significant economic challenges is a key goal of reforms. These areas are often hotspots for extremist recruitment and influence. Building infrastructure and launching economic projects in these regions helps curb extremism and improves the quality of life for local populations.
- Creating Economic Opportunities and Expanding Industry
Economic reforms aim to increase investment in business, agriculture, and other sectors, while promoting the creation of new industries. This empowers individuals economically and weakens the financial base of extremist groups, which often exploit economic crises.
- Supporting Social Programs
Social reforms focus on meeting basic needs such as healthcare, education, and other services. Fulfilling these needs reduces societal dissatisfaction, making people less likely to turn to extremist groups and more likely to see better opportunities in life.
- Peace and Social Cohesion
Reforms aimed at promoting peace and tolerance within society strengthen harmony and coexistence among different social and religious groups. This reduces the ability of extremist groups to spread hate and division.
- Regional Cooperation
Cooperation under organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and regional security agreements can be instrumental in preventing the expansion of jihadist groups in Central Asia.
Conclusion:
The rise of jihadi armed groups in Central Asia represents a profound challenge for the region's political, economic, and social landscape. These organizations exploit existing vulnerabilities, such as economic hardship, political repression, and social inequalities, to foster extremism and instability. As Central Asian countries navigate the complexities of their geopolitical environment—marked by influences from major global powers—their ability to effectively counter these threats will largely determine the future security and prosperity of the region.
While immediate security measures are critical in addressing the threat of terrorism, they must be complemented by comprehensive social and economic reforms that tackle the root causes of extremism. Promoting education, economic opportunities, and social cohesion will empower communities and diminish the appeal of radical ideologies.
Furthermore, fostering regional cooperation through organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is essential to build a united front against jihadi influences. Ultimately, the long-term stability of Central Asia hinges on a multifaceted approach that addresses not only the symptoms of jihadi activity but also the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to its proliferation. By investing in a secure and prosperous future, Central Asian nations can safeguard their sovereignty and ensure a more peaceful coexistence in a region that is increasingly vulnerable to external influences and internal divisions.
Written by: Ajmal Sohail
Ajmal Sohail is a graduate in terrorism and extremism studies from both Leiden University in the Netherlands and Maryland University in the United States; he works in the meantime as an intelligence analyst and Counter-terrorism expert. He does remain well connected with the political players, allowing him to gain insights into the extremely complex geopolitical situation in Central and the South Asia regions. He is the co-founder and co-president of the Counter Narco-Terrorism Alliance Germany, directing its intelligence and counter-terrorism portfolios. His analysis is regularly featured in various international news outlets, he even runs his own sources to get the most classified Intel.
References:
2: Caspian Policy Center: ISKP's resurgence: The growing threat to Central Asia and global security
3: The Diplomat: How authoritarian oppression breeds religious extremism in Central Asia
4: Eurasianet: Perspectives: ISKP posing threat to Central Asia
Comments (0)