Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Taliban Delegation Joins Russia’s Center-2026 War Games
A group from Afghanistan’s Taliban defence forces attended a large Russian military exercise called Center-2026.
The group watched military drills.
Its leader was identified as Mawlawi Nasibullah “Madani.”
The delegation also spoke with military representatives from several countries.
The report does not explain what was discussed or say that the delegation received training.
Analysts cited in the report said the new contacts could affect security in the region.
The report says these developments have caused concern in Islamabad, Pakistan.
It does not give a response from Russia or the other countries involved.
An Afghan Taliban defence delegation took part in Russia’s Center-2026 strategic war games, according to the report.
The delegation was led by Mawlawi Nasibullah “Madani,” identified as commander of the Abdullah bin Masoud corps.
The delegation observed military drills; the article does not describe specific training provided to Taliban fighters.
It also held bilateral talks with military representatives from China, India, North Korea, Vietnam, Colombia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
The report says the engagement has raised concern in Islamabad, where analysts described the emerging ties as a potential regional security “game changer.”
- Who
- An Afghan Taliban defence delegation led by Mawlawi Nasibullah “Madani.”
- What
- The delegation joined Russia’s Center-2026 war games, observed drills and held bilateral talks with representatives from several countries.
- When
- During the Center-2026 strategic war games; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Russia; the report does not specify the location of the war games.
- Why
- The article does not state the delegation’s reason for attending. Analysts cited in the report said the engagement could affect regional security.
- Military exercise
- Center-2026 strategic war games
- Host country
- Russia
- Delegation
- Afghan Taliban defence delegation
- Delegation leader
- Mawlawi Nasibullah “Madani”
- Leader’s role
- Identified in the article as commander of the Abdullah bin Masoud corps
- Countries named in talks
- China, India, North Korea, Vietnam, Colombia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
- Reported concern
- Analysts described the emerging connections as a potential regional security “game changer,” with concern reported in Islamabad.