Death toll of Afghan civilians up by 1 per cent

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

The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the number - 1,692 killed in violence, is the highest six-month death toll since the documentation of civilian casualties started in 2009. UNAMA said 3,430 Afghan civilians were wounded in the Januaryjune period. The killed and wounded add up to a total of 5,122 civilian casualties, which is a 3 per cent overall decrease from the first six months of 2017. The UN its call on parties to the conflict to increase efforts to protect the civilian population and work toward reaching peace.

Yesterday’ s report reflects the reality of Afghanistan today. A resurgent Taleban stepped up its attacks and an Islamic State affiliate has also emerged to launch horrific assaults claiming the lives of scores of civilians.