U.S. Watchdog Highlights Compliance Issues in Afghan Aid Distribution

The State Department's compliance with internal policies for vetting aid groups in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan has come under scrutiny. A report by SIGAR revealed that two bureaus failed to prove their adherence to regulations, increasing the risk of aid funds potentially benefiting extremists. The department has pledged to address these concerns.

A U.S. watchdog revealed that two State Department bureaus failed to prove compliance with internal policies for vetting aid groups in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, risking extremist profiteering from $293 million in funds.

The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) emphasized the importance of tracking assistance beneficiaries to prevent aid diversion to sanctioned parties.

The State Department acknowledged the report and committed to improving compliance with vetting requirements, as the U.S. remains Afghanistan's largest aid donor post-Taliban takeover.

(With inputs from agencies.)