WASHINGTON — Some lawmakers expressed concern on Wednesday about releasing billions of dollars in held Afghan assets to combat the country’s humanitarian crisis amid fears the Taliban would seize the funds as they continue to expand control in the region.
“There are a number of financial institutions that made the choice to leave Afghanistan all together; they simply don’t trust the Taliban,” said Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), the subcommittee’s ranking member. “I probably share most of their concerns.”
The statement came during a Committee on Foreign Relations hearing to discuss the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan as well as the U.S. response to the crisis.
Experts urged Congress to find a way to release these funds while mitigating the Taliban’s continued pursuit of power.
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