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U.S. Military Working to Help Afghan Civilians
Friday, November 8, 2002
By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service

"The global war on terror is not a war against any people or any religion. It is a struggle between the forces of freedom and those who seek to spread hatred and fear here and in the Muslim world. The United States is a friend to the Muslim people and ... all people of every race and every religion who seek freedom from tyranny and oppression."

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
The U.S. military is working hard to improve the living conditions of Afghan civilians, the Pentagon spokeswoman said today.

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Torie Clarke outlined some of these humanitarian works today in a Pentagon press briefing.

Clarke said that "within just the last few days" U.S. military forces from various units within Afghanistan have:

• Provided medical care for 1,400 civilians -- half of them children -- in Kandahar;
• Treated 900 civilians in northeast Afghanistan for minor medical conditions and gave check-ups and vaccinations to 700 sheep in the area;
• Repaired the offices of the Afghan Women's Organization, which provides business opportunities and assistance to Afghan women; and
• Repaired an Afghan government warehouse that stores food for Afghan refugees in the Paktia area.

(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

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