Biden Frees Frozen Afghan Billions for 9/11 Victims, Relief

U.S. President Joe Biden signed an order Friday to free $7 billion in Afghan assets now frozen in the U.S. to fund humanitarian relief in Afghanistan and Sept. 11 victims.

The money will be split between humanitarian aid for poverty-stricken Afghanistan and a fund for Sept. 11 victims still seeking relief for the terror attacks that killed thousands, according to Biden's order.

Hence, banks are going to provide $3.5 billion of the frozen amount to a trust fund for distribution through humanitarian groups for Afghan relief and basic needs.

In a statement, the White House said the order “is designed to provide a path for the funds to reach the people of Afghanistan while keeping them out of the hands of the Taliban and malicious actors.”

In like manner, the other $3.5 billion would stay in the U.S. to finance payments from lawsuits by 9/11 victims that are still working their way through the courts.

Brett Eagleson, whose father, Bruce, died in the attack on the World Trade Center, noted that though victims' families support the distribution of a large portion of the funds to the Afghan people, the remaining funds should be distributed fairly among the families.

“Anything short of equitable treatment for and among the 9/11 families as it relates to these frozen assets is outrageous and will be seen as a betrayal" by the government, Eagleson said in a statement.