Status: 07/24/2021 10:51 a.m.
The Taliban are in the process of retaking large parts of Afghanistan – many people are on the run. The US has now assured them millions of euros in aid. It is also intended to support local staff.
In view of the expected refugee movements due to the advance of the radical Islamic Taliban in Afghanistan, the USA is providing 100 million US dollars (around 85 million euros) in support in the areas of migration and displacement. The funds are for “unexpected, urgent needs of refugees and migrants, victims of conflict and other people at risk because of the situation in Afghanistan,” said a statement from the White House.
The funds are also intended to support former US aid workers in Afghanistan. The money could be spent both bilaterally and through contributions to international organizations, nongovernmental groups, governments or US agencies, the statement said.
Taliban feared retaliation
Around 20,000 Afghans who worked in the country as interpreters for the US Army during the war are now fearful of retaliation from the insurgents and have applied for special visas for the USA.
In Germany, too, there is a discussion about how Afghan local staff who have worked for the Bundeswehr or the German police can be helped. Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday: “I want us here to really give those who have helped us a lot a way out.”
So far, around 3,000 people have received acceptance confirmations for Germany, around 490 are former employees of the Bundeswehr or German police. There are also an average of five family members. There are also plans for organized charter flights on the table.
Taliban recapture land
In parallel with the rapid withdrawal of US and other NATO troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban had conquered large parts of the country in recent months.
They said on Thursday that they now control 90 percent of Afghanistan’s borders. The Ministry of Defense in Kabul called this a “total lie”. Independent verification of the data is not possible.
Peace negotiations stall
Observers fear that the Islamists could regain power in the Hindu Kush after the international troops have withdrawn completely. The peace negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government in Doha have been stalled for months.