Amrullah Saleh alleges Uzbek firm delivers US cash to Taliban

Amrullah Saleh, former vice president of Afghanistan, claimed on Feb. 13 that the newly established Uzbek company Sky Guard, a subsidiary of the US firm Air Seal, is transferring US cash to the Taliban using three rented aircraft.

Saleh stated that Sky Guard flights do not appear on Flightradar24 tracking systems. He said the latest flight went from Sharjah to Kabul and returned to Sharjah at 11 a.m. Saleh questioned the secrecy of a purported $40 million transfer, asking why it would be hidden if not intended for the Taliban.

He alleged that US congressional discussions to halt weekly $40 million payments have not stopped covert financial support to the Taliban. On Feb. 7, Saleh accused the Trump administration of imposing tariffs on Canada while generously providing financial support to the Taliban, implying the group acts as a US proxy in Afghanistan.

US officials have repeatedly stated that the United States does not send cash directly to the Taliban, with aid channeled through international mechanisms, particularly the United Nations and humanitarian partners.

In late January 2024, the US State Department confirmed to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) that $80 million in cash was sent to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan every 10 to 14 days. However, following widespread criticism, Washington reduced shipments to less frequent $40 million packages starting in July 2023.