Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief Sends Fifth Airlift Relief Plane to Syria
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The fifth airlift relief plane operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) arrived on Saturday at Damascus International Airport, carrying essential food, shelter, and medical supplies to assist the Syrian people amid ongoing challenges.
Departing from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the humanitarian initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting those in need globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The airlift program began on January 1, with two planes delivering critical aid to Syria as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to support reconstruction under the country’s new leadership after years of civil war.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, announced that the air deliveries would be supplemented by land-based aid in the coming days to provide urgent relief to affected communities.
Extensive Humanitarian Contributions
Saudi Arabia’s aid to Syria from 2011 to the end of 2024 has exceeded $856 million, according to KSrelief. Beyond Syria, the organization remains active in providing humanitarian assistance to other countries, including Palestine, Pakistan, Yemen, The Gambia, and Bangladesh.
Recent Global Initiatives:
- Gaza: Distributed 4,494 shelter kits in a single day, including blankets, mattresses, kitchen utensils, and water containers for displaced families during cold weather conditions.
- Pakistan: Delivered 1,000 food baskets in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, benefiting 5,947 people affected by flash floods.
- Yemen: Concluded a CPR training program in Aden, training 57 participants over five sessions. Additionally, distributed 2,754 food baskets in Abyan, assisting 19,278 individuals.
- The Gambia: Through the Saudi Noor program, examined 3,655 patients, distributed 750 eyeglasses, and performed 196 eye surgeries in Farafenni.
- Bangladesh: In Rajshahi, the Saudi Noor program treated 4,253 patients, provided 1,615 eyeglasses, and conducted 503 eye surgeries.
A Legacy of Humanitarian Impact
Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,208 projects across 105 countries, valued at over $7.2 billion. These efforts have been carried out in partnership with 458 local, regional, and international organizations.
The center’s programs encompass a wide range of sectors, including food security, water sanitation and hygiene, health, education, emergency aid, nutrition, protection, early recovery, logistics, and telecommunications.
Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to humanitarian relief, exemplified through KSrelief, reinforces its leadership role in providing aid to vulnerable populations worldwide.
