Three Chinese nationals were killed and one injured in an armed attack near Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan, China’s embassy in Dushanbe confirmed on Friday.
The attack, which took place on Wednesday evening in the southwestern Khatlon province, has raised serious security concerns in the region.
Embassy Urges Citizens to Leave Border Areas
In its statement, the Chinese embassy said it had called on Tajik authorities to conduct a full investigation into the incident and to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in the area. The embassy also urged all Chinese citizens and companies near the border to evacuate immediately as a precaution.
While the embassy did not identify who was responsible for the attack, it said China was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with local authorities.
Attack Carried Out by Drone from Afghanistan
Tajikistan’s foreign ministry said the incident targeted a local company, LLC Shahin SM, and was launched from Afghan territory using an unmanned aerial vehicle armed with grenades. The three victims were employees of the company, according to the ministry’s statement.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the drone or its operators, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The administration in Kabul has not yet responded to the reports.
Rising Security Concerns in the Region
The Khatlon region, which borders Afghanistan, has long been considered a sensitive area due to instability and the risk of cross-border violence. The attack underscores ongoing security challenges in Central Asia, where China has expanded its investments in energy, construction, and infrastructure projects.
Beijing has expressed concern over potential threats to its citizens abroad, particularly in countries bordering Afghanistan, where militant activity remains a concern. The Chinese government has called for stronger regional cooperation to prevent similar incidents.
(with inputs from Reuters)
