Biden shares $500m in aid to Afghan refugees

A statement by the White House said President Biden was sanctioning the use of an emergency US refugee fund in order to meet the urgent needs of refugees, conflict victims and other persons at risk as a result of the situation in Afghanistan.

It also says that money can be used through international organisations and charities, as well as government departments and agencies, the BBC writes, follows Klankosova. tv

The move comes just hours after Biden strongly defended his decision to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan. He insisted that if he had not respected a negotiated evacuation agreement by Donald Trump's previous US administration, he risked a return to open conflict with the Taliban forces.

But he has made it clear that any assault on American personnel involved in the withdrawal operation would be expected by devastating force if necessary.