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Intelligence Agencies, Security, and Cooperation in Central Asia
This report provides a focused analysis of the developing security landscape in Central Asia, examining the increasing role of intelligence agencies and special forces in fostering regional cooperation amid shifting geopolitical realities. This report aims to evaluate the significance of recent security collaboration initiatives, analyse the root causes of defence reforms, and project how future…
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Terrorism and Security Operations in the Russian Federation: April 2025 Review
This report briefly describes the recent terrorist threats in Russia in April 2025 and underlines that international jihadist networks, aided by online propaganda and transnational collaboration, still create a persistent and multifaceted terrorist threat.
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Fergana Valley: Stability, Development, and Strategic Interests
The Fergana Valley, a strategically significant region in Central Asia, has long been a focal point of geopolitical tensions and economic development challenges. Spanning Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, unresolved border disputes, ethnic tensions, terrorism, and economic fragility have shaped the valley.
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Assessment of Tajikistan’s Military Modernisation Strategy and its Geopolitical Implications
This report evaluates Tajikistan’s ongoing military modernisation efforts, spearheaded by President Emomali Rahmon, focusing on the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the broader geopolitical and economic challenges associated with the country’s defence strategy.
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Security and Terrorism in the North Caucasus: Interview with Mark Youngman
SpecialEurasia met with Mark Youngman to discuss his recent report “Terrorism and counterterrorism in the North Caucasus: 2024 trends” considering his vast experience as an open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst and independent researcher.
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Myanmar’s Armed Groups and Criminal Enterprises: The Case of Shan State
This report, based on open sources and publicly available information (PAI), aims at analysing the geopolitical risk and criminal scenarios in Myanmar, particularly focusing on the Shan State.
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Iraq: 2 Islamic State Hideouts Dismantled, but Terrorism Still Poses a Threat
The Iraqi military, in collaboration with Kurdish security forces, recently executed a successful operation in Kirkuk, dismantling two Islamic State hideouts. This operation highlights the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State despite its official defeat in 2017.
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Kazakhstan Military Modernisation 2024
Kazakhstan’s 2024 military modernisation initiatives significantly enhance its defence capabilities, reflecting concerns over internal stability and regional security. The country’s efforts include advanced procurements and comprehensive upgrades, which could alter Central Asia’s military balance.
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Ambiguous And Fragile Future Prospects Of Northwestern Syria
In this report, we will first discuss the current situation of the Northwest Syria, then we will introduce and provide brief information about the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which operates locally. In the end, we analyse the future of this region.
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Central Asian Security Assessment: Regional Cooperation Against Cyber-Based Radicalisation
In response to a recent terrorist attack in Moscow and a shifting threat landscape, Central Asian security leaders met to prioritise countering online radicalisation. This report assesses the current security environment in Central Asia, highlighting emergent threats and critical areas requiring regional cooperation.
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Preliminary Report: Helicopter Incident Involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian crashed in mountainous terrain amid heavy fog while returning from a visit to Iran’s border with Azerbaijan. The incident, which places the lives of both officials at serious risk, has prompted extensive rescue efforts hindered by adverse weather conditions.
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Intel Report: Fergana Valley and Regional Security
The last meeting in Fergana between the heads of the security services of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan accentuated the countries’ desire to cooperate in regional security to face cross-border challenges, such as terrorism and extremism.
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Enhancing Regional Security: Russia-Tajikistan Joint Anti-Terrorism Exercises
Russia and Tajikistan are currently engaged in joint counterterrorism exercises, which have become even more crucial because of the rise in terrorist activities in Afghanistan. This partnership between Moscow and Dushanbe highlights their commitment to enhancing military and defence cooperation.
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Terrorist Attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow: A Preliminary Intelligence Report
The terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism within Russia. The indiscriminate violence unleashed by unknown assailants resulted in 40 fatalities and over 100 injuries, highlighting the vulnerability of civilian gatherings and cultural institutions to extremist acts.
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Xinjiang: A Chinese National Security Issue
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project, launched by Xi Jinping in 2013, identified the Xinjiang Autonomous Region (XUAR) as a vital component in expanding China’s political and economic reach in Central Asia and addressing the Malacca dilemma. Taking into consideration geography, economics, and the complicated Uyghur situation, the analysis seeks to understand Beijing’s interests in…