International Security Assistance Force And government of Afghanistan officials distribute humanitarian assistance to indirect fire victims

Photo By Lt.j.g. James Dietle | Coalition forces divide humanitarian aid into seperate piles for the families of the victims. Some items include cooking utensils, food, blankets educational aid and other supplies.  

KUNAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

06.02.2009

Story by Lt.j.g. James Dietle 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team and 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment helped local officials from the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to distribute humanitarian aid to families harmed during a recent indirect fire attack in Kunar.

Militants indiscriminately targeted civilians in Asadabad city, May 27, the largest city and most densely populated area in Kunar. Within a few hours, five mortar rounds fired by militants landed and detonated inside the city killing two and wounding 13 Afghan civilians.

International Security Assistance Forces provide medical treatment for many of the victims who were injured in the attack. Those who were more seriously wounded were provided direct care at nearby military medical facilities at Jalalabad and Bagram Air Fields.

"The Afghans harmed during the attack were not involved in any military operation or near any U.S. military forces at the time of the incident, demonstrating that the enemy does not bring development, security or hope to Afghanistan. They only bring random acts of destruction," said Cmdr. Murray J. Tynch, Kunar PRT commander from Edenton, N.C.

The mayor of Asadabad city, Abdul Ghani Abaasi, helped coordinate the distribution for the families, inviting them to come to the governor's compound in Asadabad and providing a safe but close and convenient location for them to gather.

"We are just trying to help these families in their time of need. With the assistance of local Afghan officials we provided all 15 families with blankets, wheat, beans, construction tools and other items," said Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Pond of Phoenix, Ariz. "It is unfortunate that these innocent people were involved in this attack."

During the quick ceremony Abdul Ghani Abaasi and two district governors stood side by side with ISAF representatives to show their combined commitment to the families. Abdul Ghani Abaasi and the PRT commander expressed their sorrow for the families and their losses.

"These goods cannot compensate you for what the enemy has done to your families. However, the government of Kunar and [ISAF] hope that this will help you move ahead in these difficult times," said Tynch.

All 13 of the wounded Afghans are expected to make a full recovery.

• Date Taken: 06.02.2009
• Date Posted: 06.08.2009 13:14
• Story ID: 34726
• Location: KUNAR PROVINCE, AF