Attacks on food aid trucks continue in Afghanistan

Over the past few months, attacks on trucks carrying World Food Programme (WFP) food aid have continued amidst increasing fighting and instability in Afghanistan, IRIN reported last week. As of May 30, twenty attacks have occurred, resulting in the loss of 500 tons of food, which is valued at $350,000. WFP’s Afghanistan representative, Rick Corsino, remarked that “the increasing frequency of these attacks has become a huge concern for us.”

As Taliban insurgents continue to fight coalition forces, attacks on food trucks are increasing tension on existing food ration projects, such as the “Come to School and Take Home Rations” incentive program. In addition to food loss, the cost of food delivery has skyrocketed as a result of the armed attacks. Since last year, delivery costs have increased 25 percent and drivers are increasingly deterred from involvement in the food shipments.

“Insecurity restricts our access to first hand and reliable information needed to be sure of the motives for, and perpetrators of, these attacks,” Corsino said. In a statement concerning the food aid attacks, WFP added that “whatever their motives, they are contributing to the already considerable hardship of the poorest Afghans who need assistance more than ever.” WFP has continued to call on the Afghan government and local communities to discourage such attacks and to hold those responsible accountable.

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