Approximately three weeks after an indiscriminate rocket attack killed 53 civilians in Kapisa province, USAID joined the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) to offer condolences to the victims' families and provide much-needed humanitarian assistance. The U.S. Government provided food, warm clothing, and heaters following a December 10 shura, or community gathering, during which the dead were mourned and provincial officials and religious leaders expressed solidarity with the community.
The newly elected head of the Provincial Council offered prayers for the victims and joined the local mayor and district governor in thanking USAID for its support. The $10,000 USAID grant, supplemented by $5,000 from the PRT Commander's Emergency Response Fund, was made possible through the Local Governance and Community Development program, USAID's flagship counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan. USAID’s efforts to reach out to communities in times of need demonstrates its commitment to improving the lives of Afghan citizens.