The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has signed a contract with a Uzbek company to explore and extract natural gas in the Totimaidan gas field in northern Afghanistan.

This ten-year contract, valued at approximately $1 billion, was signed by Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, and a representative from the Uzbek company.

According to the agreement, the company will invest $100 million in the first year, with the remaining $900 million spread over the next nine years.

In the project’s first two years, the extracted gas will be used to generate 100 megawatts of gas-powered electricity.

The Totimaidan gas field, located in Jawzjan province, covers an area of roughly 7,000 square kilometres and holds significant gas reserves.

Once extraction begins, the project is expected to meet Afghanistan’s domestic gas needs and create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

However, concerns have been raised about the contract’s transparency, given Afghanistan’s current lack of a formal constitution and established regulatory frameworks following the collapse of the republic government.

Additionally, amid the dire humanitarian crisis and ongoing questions about Taliban government spending, ensuring that the benefits of such contracts serve national interests remains a critical issue.

Sabrina Singh, the Deputy Press Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense or Pentagon, stated that the United States takes the threat of al-Qaeda in the region and Afghanistan seriously.

In a recent press briefing, she responded to a question about the resurgence of al-Qaeda activity in Afghanistan, saying, “The United States has over-the-horizon capabilities to counter these threats.”

Previously, General Patrick Ryder, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, also addressed comments made by Michael McCaul, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, about the U.S. losing its ability to monitor ISIS-K and al-Qaeda.

He stated that the U.S. has strong intelligence capabilities to combat terrorism in Afghanistan.

This comes as some international media outlets previously reported, based on sources, that Hamza bin Laden, the son of Osama bin Laden and current leader of al-Qaeda, along with his brother, is located in Nangarhar province and is allegedly planning a 9/11-style attack on the West.

Meanwhile, several U.S. Republican senators have warned that after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, ISIS-K has gained the capability to attack U.S. interests.

The U.S. remains vigilant about terrorist threats from Afghanistan, relying on its over-the-horizon and intelligence capabilities to monitor and counter potential dangers despite the absence of ground forces.

The evolving security landscape in Afghanistan continues to raise concerns about the resurgence of terrorist groups, and how the U.S. navigates its counterterrorism strategy in this region will be critical for future stability.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated on Wednesday, October 9, the urgent need for approximately $603.5 million to support critical winter preparedness activities in Afghanistan. These funds will address essential needs such as shelter upgrades, warm clothing, and supply pre-positioning to assist vulnerable communities ahead of the harsh winter season.

The funds will be used to upgrade shelters, provide warm clothing, and pre-position essential supplies before the onset of harsh winter conditions. The focus is on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities to prevent severe hardship during the cold season.

The report indicated that to implement the plan, $603.5 million is urgently needed to support key winter preparedness activities, such as upgrading shelters and providing warm clothing. Before the harsh winter weather cuts off access, an additional $104 million is required to pre-position supplies, particularly for food and livelihood assistance.

A significant portion of the budget—75% of the $603.5 million—will go toward food and livelihood assistance during the lean season. Given the high food security needs and logistical challenges, timely procurement and distribution are critical.

The Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund has allocated $15 million to support these efforts, with 80% of this funding directed toward NGOs, including national and international organizations. This funding will kick-start project implementation at the end of the month.

The plan released on September 9 targets underserved Afghanistan’s areas facing seasonal risks, prioritizing vulnerable regions. With La Niña forecasted for October 2024, the plan emphasizes early preparedness and multi-sectoral support.

Meanwhile, the report stated that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with the needs exacerbated by ongoing political instability and limited international development support. Current assistance focuses primarily on basic human needs, but the level of support remains far below pre-2021 levels.

Meanwhile, the report stated that the introduction of a new morality law in Afghanistan on August 21 has further complicated the humanitarian landscape, especially for women and minority groups.

The law imposes severe restrictions, including dress codes and limitations on women’s participation in public life, raising concerns about its impact on humanitarian work. Several UN entities are monitoring the new law’s effects, which have warned about its negative impact on women’s participation in the workforce and its potential to disrupt essential services in the health and education sectors.

The urgent funding required for winter preparedness highlights the growing need for international donors to step up their support, especially as Afghanistan faces a colder, harsher winter this year. Failing to meet these financial needs will likely lead to severe humanitarian consequences.

The intersection of rising humanitarian needs, new legal restrictions, and a challenging geopolitical climate makes it essential for international actors to collaborate effectively to ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, receive the necessary assistance ahead of the impending winter.