Two Kuwaiti planes carrying 20 tons of aid head to Somalia

By Nasser Al-Otiabi (with photos) KUWAIT, July 21 (KUNA) - In a swift response to the UN appeal for urgent humanitarian aid to the drought-stricken Somalia, two Kuwaiti planes loaded with humanitarian aid took off Abdullah Al-Mubarak Military Airbase Thursday heading to the impoverished Horn of African nation.
The aid planes, sent by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), are carrying 20 tons of food, medicine and tents.
"This is part of the Kuwaiti contribution to the international efforts to alleviate the suffering of the famine-hit Somali people," Head of KRCS mission to Somalia Mesaad Rasheed Al-Anzi told KUNA.
"We are coordinating with Somalia Red Crescent and other relief organizations operative in Somalia to help distribute the aid to those in need of it," Al-Anzi noted.
"This move is meant to show solidarity with the Somali people and help alleviate their suffering," he concluded.
For his part, Somali Ambassador in Kuwait Abdul-Kader Ameen Sheikh expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahamd Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and all Kuwaiti people for their generosity and support to Somali people.
HH the Amir has pledged USD 10 million in aid for the Somali people, who are suffering from malnutrition and famine as a result of the worst drought to hit the nation in 10 years.
The Somali Ambassador also applauded KRCS's swift response to the Somali appeal for aid and its role in organizing aid missions and distributing aid to beneficiaries in the poor Horn of Africa nation.
The United Nations on Wednesday declared famine in two regions of southern Somalia, and warned that this could spread further within two months in the war-ravaged Horn of Africa country unless donors step in.(end) nsa.ysa.ibi KUNA 211516 Jul 11NNNN