Berlin (dpa) – The German Development Ministry is suspending all of its activities in areas of Afghanistan that have been captured by the Taliban, as the militant Islamist group continues its advance.

“German development project funds will not be used in Taliban areas,” Development Minister Gerd Mueller said on Friday.

The projects have been temporarily stopped or are in the process of being suspended, he said.

“The security of all German development staff has absolute priority.”

He also called for more humanitarian aid measures for refugees still living in Afghanistan. “We assess with concern the current catastrophic humanitarian situation of children and refugees in Afghanistan and neighbouring states,” he said.

“A reinforcement of international aid measures in the entire region is currently urgently needed.”