US Provides $300 Million Aid to Afghanistan Amid 'Catastrophic Crisis'

(Photo by AP)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The United States will provide $308 million (approximately 366.5 billion KRW) in aid to Afghanistan, where the humanitarian crisis has worsened since the Taliban took power.

On the 11th (local time), according to Bloomberg News, Emily Horne, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council (NSC), stated in a press release that "the relief funds to be channeled through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to independent relief organizations will be used for urgent medical care, emergency food and water, sanitation, and other areas."

Accordingly, U.S. financial support for Afghanistan has increased to a total of $782 million since October last year.

This announcement follows the United Nations' warning that Afghanistan is experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis in its history. The UN has requested $4.4 billion in aid from the international community, stating that Afghanistan requires 'immediate and catastrophic crisis resolution.'

Currently, half of Afghanistan's total population of 40 million suffers from severe hunger, disease, and malnutrition, and the UN estimates that 1.1 million children will die this winter as a result.

The proportion of impoverished people in Afghanistan is projected to rise from 72% in 2020 to 97% by the end of the first half of this year.

Afghanistan, which has been experiencing chronic financial difficulties, has seen its humanitarian situation worsen since the Taliban seized power in August last year.

Although 80% of the Afghan government budget was maintained through international aid, all funding inflows have been cut off due to freezing measures following the Taliban takeover.

Moreover, recent unusual heavy snowfall in central and northern Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, and the worst drought in decades have increased civilian suffering from poverty and unemployment.

USAID, in a separate statement, urged, "The United States calls on the Taliban, who control Afghanistan, to stop the oppression of female activists and to guarantee their independent and safe activities."

President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan last year but stated that aid to Afghan security forces and civilian programs, including women and children, would be maintained.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.