UN confirms Afghan civilian deaths in Taliban, Daesh attack

KABUL: The UN on Sunday published its preliminary report on an onslaught by Daesh and Taliban militants in northern Afghanistan, confirming the deaths of civilians but finding no evidence of beheadings or sexual abuse.

Provincial authorities in Sar-iPul say Taliban and Daesh fighters jointly attacked Mirza Olang village more than two weeks ago, arresting several hundred civilians and killing more than 50 of them by beheading one group and throwing another off a cliff. Some officials even said the insurgents abducted women for sexual violence.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) launched a probe into the killings in the predominantly Shiite village.

“UNAMA verified allegations that Taliban and local self-proclaimed Islamic State (Daesh) fighters killed at least 36 persons, including civilians … during the attack on Mirza Olang,” it said in a statement.

“At least half of the killings took place on Saturday 5th of August when Anti-Government Elements stopped families trying to escape the village, separated women and young children, and killed at least 18 people, both civilians and ProGovernment Militia who were hors de combat (out of action) at the time of their killing. Others, including one woman, were reportedly shot while they tried to escape from the village.”

UNAMA said it found no evidence to substantiate claims of beheadings. Via interviews with witnesses and officials, it was also unable to verify claims about abductions of women and sexual violence.

UNAMA said further investigations by competent authorities are required into allegations of sectarian hatred as a factor in the killings.

The Taliban, forming the backbone of the insurgency against the Afghan government and US-led troops, denied involvement in the killing of civilians.

Media reports said Daesh claimed responsibility. Some disaffected Taliban members have joined Daesh in some parts of the country.

While Daesh affiliates have targeted Shiites multiple times in Kabul and in western Herat province over the past year, the massacre in Mirza Olang is the first of its kind in the north.

The attacks against Shiites have been portrayed by locals and government officials as a ploy by the insurgents to fan sectarian violence in Afghanistan, similar to that in Iraq and Syria.

The government faces deep divisions and growing public anger over rising insecurity amid unprecedented ethnic tensions.