A regional security body linked to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in a meeting on Friday warned that militant groups based in Afghanistan are expanding their operational capacity, posing a growing threat to countries across the region.

The 45th meeting of the council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, known as RATS, was held Friday in Tashkent, according to Russia`s state news agency TASS. Member states expressed concern over what they described as the "evolution and strengthening" of threats from extremist and separatist groups.

In a statement, the council said armed groups operating in Afghanistan and Syria had significantly enhanced their combat capabilities, altering the nature of security risks facing member states.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a political and security bloc that includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan and several Central Asian countries, has increasingly focused on counterterrorism coordination through RATS, which serves as its main platform for intelligence sharing and joint responses to militant threats.

The council`s warning underscores persistent regional concerns about Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. While large-scale conflict has subsided inside the country, armed groups - including ISIS affiliates and other militant networks - continue to operate, raising fears among neighboring states about cross-border instability.

Regional governments, particularly in Central Asia, have repeatedly expressed concern that militant groups could exploit Afghanistan`s situation to regroup, recruit and expand operations beyond its borders.

The statement from the RATS council emphasized the need for closer coordination among member states to counter terrorism, extremism and separatism, calling for expanded intelligence sharing and joint security measures.

The meeting also addressed broader regional tensions. The council expressed concern over recent military strikes in Iran and reaffirmed support for the country`s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It described the use of force as unacceptable and called for disputes to be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with international law and the UN charter.

The warning comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with overlapping crises in the Middle East and South Asia contributing to fears of wider instability. Analysts say that any resurgence of militant activity in Afghanistan could have ripple effects across the region, particularly for countries already grappling with security and economic challenges.