Restriction, the US approves humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
The US introduced two exceptions to its restrictions against Afghanistan on Friday, in an effort to ease the introduction of humanitarian aid into the conflict-torn, Taliban-controlled country. According to the US Treasury, the provisions allow United States government, aid organizations, and international organizations to engage in the provision of international relief to Afghanistan or other operations that meet fundamental human needs.
Washington, on the other hand, says it would continue to uphold and enforce our restrictions against the Taliban, the Haqqani network, and other banned entities. According to the statement, they also permit certain activities linked to the export or re-exportation of agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, and medical gadgets.
According to Andrea Gacki, director of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, Reserve bank will continue to work with financial institutions, international organisations, and nonprofit organisations to help people in need obtain vital resources such as agriculture products, medicine, and other basic needs as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Following the Taliban takeover, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank halted operations in the country, delaying aid as well as $340 million in additional reserves released by the IMF last month. Afghanistan is suffering an economic catastrophe as a result of sanctions and a reduction in foreign help following the Taliban’s control of the country last month. Fuel and food costs are rising, and cash is running out.
Washington is also preventing access to a large portion of Afghanistan’s $9 billion in foreign assets, exacerbating a cash shortage that the ousted government’s central bank chief believes might lead to an economic crisis.