The Syrian Coalition-run Assistance Coordination Unit (ACU) said it carried out a range of development projects in East Ghouta in cooperation with a group of local partners. The projects included water and food projects, in addition to supporting civil defense forces. Eleven projects were carried out in East Ghouta and five in West Ghouta during the first half of 2014 at a total cost of around $700,000 USD. Among the projects are six in the sectors of water, sanitation and hygiene, two projects in the field of civil defense, five agricultural projects, two food security projects and one relief aid project. ACU thanks the state of Qatar for its continued support and funding the development projects in general and in the besieged areas in particular. ACU pointed out that the projects were carried out despite the crippling siege imposed by regime forces on East and West Ghouta in an effort to break the will of the rebels and civilians trapped inside. (Source: Syrian Coalition)