The US government mistakenly sent $293 million to the Taliban.
Photo: AP
New Delhi: A recent report from the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (CIGAR) revealed a serious error with US aid in Afghanistan. The report indicated that since President Joe BidenFollowing the withdrawal of US troops in 2021, the US State Department may have inadvertently allocated at least $293 million to the Taliban.
According to SIGAR, PM/WRA, PRM, and SCA/PPD complied with the requirements set forth in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and other counterterrorism investigative guidelines. These agencies provided thorough risk assessments and complete documentation, demonstrating compliance with State investigative protocols.
In contrast, DRL and INL had serious problems with their documentation. DRL was able to provide adequate verification documentation for only three of seven awards, leaving four awards unverified. Similarly, INL submitted adequate documentation for only three of 22 awards. This lack of adequate records means that SIGAR was unable to confirm whether these offices complied with State verification requirements for most of their programs.
“State officials acknowledged that not all offices complied with document retention requirements,” the SIGAR report noted.
The audit highlights a critical failure to comply with federal and internal documentation standards, jeopardizing oversight and increasing risks of misuse. In particular, the State Department was unable to confirm compliance with awards totaling at least $293 million. This raises concerns that funds could be inadvertently funneled to Taliban-linked organizations.
That $239 million figure is separate from the $7 billion worth of military equipment, such as Humvees and Black Hawk helicopters, abandoned by U.S. forces and likely now in the possession of the Taliban.
SIGAR had asked the Secretary of State to take immediate corrective action to ensure full compliance with verification and documentation requirements. State officials have acknowledged these deficiencies and have committed to addressing the issues to improve compliance and safeguard taxpayer funds.
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