UN Confirms Resumption of Humanitarian Aid to Isolated Nuristan Districts

United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that humanitarian aid operations have commenced in the Kamdish and Bargmatal districts of Nuristan province, ending more than six weeks of restricted access. The delivery targets approximately 136,000 residents who faced severe shortages of food, healthcare, and essential supplies due to ongoing insecurity.

The relief effort is being coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Afghan Red Crescent Society, with the World Food Programme participating in the multi-day operation. According to Dujarric, the reopening of access routes has allowed local markets to resume operations and facilitated the evacuation of patients requiring urgent medical treatment. The affected population includes roughly 17,000 families.

The isolation of these remote areas followed sustained cross-border artillery fire and clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani troops. In addition to restricting humanitarian access, recent cross-border strikes damaged civilian infrastructure in Kunar province’s Dangam district, including a school, a health center, and a telecommunications facility. Officials reported no casualties from the strikes.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reiterated calls for safe, unhindered access for aid workers and emphasized the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. Humanitarian partners have indicated that the operation will continue as security conditions permit.