Photo: Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images
The State Department on Friday announced more than $266 million in new humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.
Why it matters: The assistance comes as the U.S. completes the drawdown of military forces. The impending departure has led to fears about the Taliban returning to power.
- "This funding will allow our partners to provide lifesaving protection, shelter, livelihoods opportunities, essential health care, emergency food aid, water, sanitation, and hygiene services to respond to the needs generated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," the State Department said in a release.
- The money will also address protections for Afghan women and girls facing gender-based violence, according to the agency.
By the numbers: The aid includes $157.5 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and nearly $109 million from the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, per a State Department spokesperson.
- It is separate from the $300 million in civilian assistance announced in April.
Editor's note: This story incorrectly suggested that the $266 million in humanitarian assistance was part of $600 million in international aid announced last year.