The International Committee of the Red Cross has launched a humanitarian operation to deliver urgently needed assistance to communities affected by conflict in eastern Afghanistan.

The operation, initiated on Tuesday, is focused on Nuristan Province and is being carried out in coordination with the Afghan Red Crescent Society and the World Food Programme.

According to the ICRC, approximately 136,000 people, representing around 17,000 households in the districts of Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal, have faced acute food shortages.

Also, there has been a shortage of healthcare services and essential household items over the past two months.

The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing insecurity and restricted access to the area.

Since early April, the ICRC and its partners have engaged in sustained dialogue with all parties involved in the conflict to secure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian relief efforts.

These negotiations have enabled the delivery of critical supplies, including food and medical assistance, to begin.

With key roads into Nuristan reopening, local markets are gradually being restocked, while medical evacuation services have resumed, offering some relief to affected populations.

Humanitarian organisations are also working closely with community representatives to ensure that aid efforts are aligned with the most pressing needs.

Initial assessments indicate that demand remains high, particularly in food security, healthcare, and basic services.

The ICRC reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, independence, and impartiality and called on all parties to the conflict to ensure safe, sustained, and unhindered access to vulnerable communities.

(Xinhua/NAN)