The United States has announced more than $266 million in new humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan as U.S. troops exit the war-torn country.
The announcement on June 4 comes amid spiraling violence and stalled peace talks between the Taliban and the Western-backed government in Kabul that casts further uncertainty over the future of the country once U.S.-led international forces leave by September.
Despite the troop withdrawal, U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has vowed to remain committed to providing military and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
“As the United States withdraws military forces from Afghanistan, our enduring commitment is clear. We remain engaged through our full diplomatic, economic, and assistance toolkit to support the peaceful, stable future the Afghan people want and deserve,” the State Department said in a statement announcing the new aid.
The new funds bring to nearly $3.9 billion the amount of U.S. humanitarian aid to Afghanistan since 2002.
The money will help support 18 million people in need, including more than 4.8 million Afghans internally displaced by conflict, according to the State Department.
It said the funds will also go toward health and sanitation, including helping Afghans respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They will also be used to assist “the most vulnerable Afghans,” particularly women and girls facing gender-based violence.