USAID accused of funding terrorists including ISIS and Al-Qaeda
Some funds from the USAID agency reportedly ended up with terrorist organizations such as ISIS, Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda and others, according to US Senator Scott Perry. He claimed that hundreds of millions of dollars intended for aid projects in fact financed extremists.
Senator Perry cited an example of a $136 million program meant to build 120 schools in Pakistan. He argued there is no evidence these schools were ever built, suggesting the funds instead supported extremist religious schools. The US State Department denied these allegations, emphasizing that USAID does not fund terrorist groups and operates within legal frameworks.
USAID (United States Agency for International Development) is a US government agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance, focusing on humanitarian aid, economic development, security, and the promotion of democratic values worldwide.
While these accusations have sparked controversy, there is no confirmed evidence of systematic diversion of funds to terrorist activities. Nevertheless, the claims raise concerns over the oversight and management of international aid funds.
Ongoing investigations could lead to strengthened transparency and accountability measures in aid distribution to prevent similar issues in the future.
