UN: Afghan civilian deaths up in 2018

HIGHEST SIX-MONTH TOLL YET

THE number of civilians killed in Afghanistan in the first half of this year has increased by 1% compared to the same period last year, according to a report released by the United Nations.

The UN mission in Afghanistan said the number – 1,692 killed in violence – is the highest six-month death toll since the systematic documentation of civilian casualties started in 2009.

In its report, UNAMA said 3,430 Afghan civilians were wounded in the January-June period.

The killed and wounded add up to a total of 5,122 civilian casualties, which is a 3% overall decrease from the first six months of 2017.

The UN mission renewed its call on parties to the conflict to increase efforts to protect the civilian population and work toward reaching a peaceful settlement.

Yesterday’s report and others like it reflect the grim reality of Afghanistan today.

Since the US and Nato forces formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014, a resurgent Taliban has stepped up its attacks across the country and an Islamic State affiliate has also emerged to launch horrific highprofile attacks that have claimed the lives of scores of civilians.

The UN report also cited a lull in June, when the Taliban accepted a three-day ceasefire over the Eid alFitr holiday that caps the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.