US steps up aid to Afghanistan, bypassing the Taliban

Washington (dpa), 29 Oct, 2021  - In view of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the United States is providing nearly 144 million dollars in additional aid, the National Security Council said in Washington.

US humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and for Afghan refugees in the region is to total nearly 474 million dollars this year.

But the National Security Council made it clear that support would not be provided through the government of the militant Islamist Taliban, but through independent humanitarian organizations.

“Our partners provide lifesaving protection, shelter, livelihoods support, essential health care, winterization assistance, emergency food aid, water, sanitation, and hygiene services in response to the growing humanitarian needs exacerbated by healthcare shortages, drought, malnutrition, and the impending winter,” NSC spokesperson Emily Horne said in a statement.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Monday that more than half of Afghanistan’s population could face acute hunger from next month.