DUSHANBE, February 28, 2013, Asia-Plus -- A top official has told a Congressional committee that although the United States sees no “imminent Islamic militant threat to Central Asian states,” the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan is looking for opportunities to expand its presence in the region as part of a long-term strategy to broaden its influence, Radio Liberty reports.

Testifying before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake reportedly said Central Asian states faced challenges that could fuel radicalism and threaten U.S. interests in the region.

He said the United States was working with those governments to help them address cross-border challenges like terrorism and proliferation.

But he also said that Washington won’t stop pressing regional leaders on the need to implement democratic and human rights reforms.