Swedish Minister: Afghanistan Is About to Collapse

jpnn.com, AFGHANISTAN - Swedish International Development Cooperation Minister Per Olsson Fridh has commented on the current state of Afghanistan, assessing the country is heading for economic collapse after being taken over by the Taliban.

Afghanistan has plunged into crisis following the fall of the western-backed government and the Taliban taking power in August.

The incident triggered a halt in the flow of billions of dollars to the country's economy that relies on international aid.

"My concern is that the country is on the brink of collapse, and that collapse is coming faster than we thought," Fridh told Reuters in Dubai on Saturday (23/10).

He warned that Afghanistan's free-falling economy could provide an environment for terror groups to thrive.

A total of 27 European Union countries, including Sweden, have stepped up humanitarian aid to Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power.

However, the World Bank and many countries have stopped development assistance to Afghanistan.

According to Fridh, Sweden is considering increasing efforts through Afghan civil society groups to secure basic services.