ASTANA: Uzbekistan played host to the ninth international scientific-practical conference of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on November 7-8. The conference brought together more than 160 participants from 17 countries, including member and observer states, SCO dialogue partners, executives from eight international organizations, ten international research centers, and representatives from educational institutions.
The conference aimed to review the regulatory framework for anti-terrorist cooperation and discuss strategies to enhance trust, cooperation, and professionalism for a secure future in the SCO region.
During the conference, participants engaged in discussions on various aspects of countering terrorism, including forecasts of terrorist and extremist risks within the SCO space. They also explored the significant role of civil society and scientific organizations in combating terrorism.
Ruslan Mirzayev, the director of the SCO RATS executive committee, shared major achievements in the region’s anti-terrorism efforts. He highlighted the successful coordination and information exchange between competent authorities, leading to the thwarting of 73 clandestine terrorist organization cells. Moreover, 69 terrorist attacks were prevented, 1,440 incidents were uncovered, and 91 crimes of a terrorist, separatist, and extremist nature were halted.
SCO RATS Achievements in Countering Terrorism
Mirzayev reported that a total of 507 cases were detected, 447 individuals were detained, and 54 were convicted. Additionally, 182 leaders, members, and accomplices of terrorist organizations were neutralized. The collaborative efforts also led to the identification of 123 foreign militants, exposure of 13,166 financing channels, and detection of 5 channels of illegal migration used for terrorist and extremist purposes. Furthermore, joint actions resulted in the blocking of around 25,000 online materials promoting terrorism and extremism.
SCO Deputy Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev emphasized the organization’s pivotal role not only in addressing terrorist threats but also in fostering broader cooperation among member states. He underscored the potential impact of current armed conflicts on the geopolitical landscape for decades to come.
Yermekbayev highlighted the importance of addressing disruptions in cross-border commercial activities and supply chains, which could lead to inflation, price hikes, energy shortages, and ultimately jeopardize international security integrity.
