Aid arrives in Ghazni after Taliban rampage

AFP

GHAZNI -- Aid trickled into Ghazni Sunday (August 19), residents and relief workers said, days after security forces pushed Taliban militants from the city.

Residents suffered food and water shortages along with rising prices for basic provisions after insurgents briefly overran the city in an assault on August 10, torching buildings and destroying infrastructure in a battle that killed hundreds.

"We need this aid to survive," said Gul Badshah, one of many in Ghazni who made their way to distribution centres Sunday, who said his home had been destroyed by two rockets during the onslaught.

Siraj Ahmad, another resident, said he was collecting aid for a neighbour whose husband -- a police officer -- and young son were killed by the Taliban during the fighting.

"They had no one else left in their family so I decided to come here for them and get any donations to take for them," he said.

Rice, oil, beans and tea were handed out after the first humanitarian convoy arrived in Ghazni Saturday (August 18), said Afghan Red Crescent regional director Mohammad Esmail.

He added that the Red Crescent hoped to reach 800 families Sunday, followed by another 1,200 Monday (August 20).

"The people who receive this aid are those who have either lost their loved ones or houses during the fighting in Ghazni," Esmail said.

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