US gives Afghanistan over $266m in new assistance

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States has announced providing more than $266 million in new humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

Announced by the State Department on Friday, the new assistance brings the total US humanitarian aid for Afghanistan to nearly $3.9 billion since 2002.

The support will benefit some of the estimated 18 million Afghans in need, including more than 4.8 million internally-displaced people.

More than 115,000 people have been displaced by conflict in Afghanistan this year alone, with nearly 500,000 returning to the country in need of assistance.

“As the United States withdraws military forces from Afghanistan, our enduring commitment is clear,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“We remain engaged through our full diplomatic, economic and assistance toolkit to support the peaceful, stable future the Afghans want and deserve.”

The aid will be used in areas such as protective equipment, shelter, food and health and hygiene services related to the Covid pandemic.

It also provides for “protection needs for the most vulnerable Afghans,” including at-risk women and girls.

PAN Monitor/mud