KUWAIT CITY, Jan 14: The third relief plane from Kuwait's airlift took off on Tuesday morning, heading to Damascus International Airport. The flight carried 35 tons of relief and medical aid, along with two ambulances, to support the most vulnerable groups in Syria as part of the "Kuwait by Your Side" campaign.

The airlift is organized by the Kuwait Relief Society, with the participation of several Kuwaiti charitable organizations, in cooperation with the ministries of social affairs, foreign affairs, and defense, represented by the Kuwaiti Air Force.

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Relief Society, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) before takeoff that the airlift to assist Syria reflects Kuwait’s humanitarian role and its commitment to supporting brothers in Arab and Islamic countries in need. He emphasized that the participation of various Kuwaiti charitable societies in the "Kuwait by Your Side" campaign represents a strong commitment to supporting Syria's social stability and security following recent events.

Al-Saleh added that this initiative stems from Kuwait's belief in the importance of brotherhood and cooperation to assist those in need, wherever they may be. Among the participating charitable organizations are the International Islamic Charitable Organization, Revival of Heritage Association, Namaa Charitable, Najat Charitable, Abdullah Al-Nouri Charitable, Direct Aid, Sick Aid, and Global Mercy.

Engineer Jamal Al-Nouri, treasurer of Kuwait Relief Society, told KUNA that the aid, which includes basic food supplies and two ambulances, aims to contribute to supporting Syria and achieving social stability by providing essential daily necessities to all Syrian citizens.

Al-Nouri praised the high directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, which facilitated the operation of this air bridge to Syria. He confirmed that the airlift will continue in the coming days with the cooperation of government agencies, charitable and humanitarian societies, and with both official and popular support from Kuwait.

Al-Nouri also acknowledged the efforts of the official Kuwaiti bodies overseeing and organizing humanitarian work, including the ministries of defense, foreign affairs, social affairs, labor, and information. He expressed appreciation for the role of Kuwaiti charitable societies and organizations, as well as the public support for joint Kuwaiti humanitarian efforts.

Ibrahim Al-Badr, Deputy Director General for Institutional Communication at the International Islamic Charitable Organization, confirmed to KUNA that the organization's participation in the humanitarian campaign via the Kuwaiti air bridge aligns with Kuwait’s high directives to help the needy wherever they may be.

Al-Badr explained that the first phase of the campaign focuses on addressing the immediate needs of the Syrian people, including food, clothing, medical supplies, and shelter materials, until stability and sufficiency are achieved. This will be followed by efforts to aid in the reconstruction and development of Syria's infrastructure.

He emphasized that, with the guidance of high-level directives, the cooperation of charitable and official bodies, and the support of Kuwait’s people, the country is effectively contributing to Syria’s humanitarian relief efforts.