Tajikistan Sentences Over 30 for Poisoning Plot Linked to ISIS-Khorasan

Tajikistan’s General Prosecutor’s Office has sentenced more than 30 individuals to prison terms between 8 and 20 years for their involvement in an attempted poisoning plot targeting festival-goers, Khaama Press reported. The convicted individuals are linked to ISIS-Khorasan, a regional affiliate of the terrorist group.

The defendants attempted to poison food served at the Nowruz celebration in Vahdat, east of Dushanbe, last year. Said Ahmadzadeh, head of the counterterrorism department, announced that authorities are pursuing 10 additional suspects connected to the plot.

This incident follows reports of violent activities by ISIS-Khorasan, including a recent escape attempt by nine prisoners that resulted in the deaths of five inmates. Tajikistan’s foreign minister noted three attacks attributed to militants in 2024, underscoring the ongoing security challenges posed by extremist groups in the region. The government remains committed to counterterrorism efforts to protect its citizens from such threats.