Three Chinese workers died in a cross-border attack in Tajikistan near the Afghan frontier. Tajik authorities confirmed the assault originated from Afghanistan and involved an armed drone combined with firearms.
The attack occurred on November 26, 2025, targeting employees of LLC Shohin SM at their camp in the Khatlon region. According to an official statement, assailants used an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with grenades along with firearms in the assault.
All three victims held Chinese citizenship. This marks the second such incident in recent years, following the death of another Chinese worker in a similar border attack last year.
Tajikistan’s Official Response
Tajikistan’s government strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep concern about continuing security challenges along its border with Afghanistan. Officials called on Afghan authorities to take effective measures to ensure stability and security in the border region.
Despite Tajikistan’s efforts to maintain peaceful border relations, criminal groups operating from Afghan territory continue destabilizing actions, according to the foreign ministry.
The 1,350-kilometer border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan remains a flashpoint for regional tensions. Muslim-majority Tajikistan has experienced several border clashes since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
President Emomali Rakhmon has been openly critical of the Taliban regime while maintaining cautious engagement through diplomatic channels and cross-border trade. The mountainous border region hosts several Chinese companies operating in mining and natural resources, often located in vulnerable border areas.
