Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan Increase by 42 Percent

The number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan has increased significantly. According to a United Nations report, approximately 1,200 civilians were killed in the third quarter of this year as a result of armed clashes and violent attacks in the country.

The number of civilians killed in armed clashes during the third quarter of this year in Afghanistan shows a 42 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This figure is based on a report released by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Thursday, October 25.

According to the UN report, approximately 1,200 civilians were killed in this period, and more than 3,100 others were wounded.

This is the highest number of civilian deaths in Afghanistan since the UN began recording casualties from the country’s war in 2009.

Increase in Attacks During Peace Talks

The sharp rise in civilian deaths in Afghanistan from July 1 to September 30 of this year was mainly due to an increase in attacks by the Islamist Taliban group.

During this period, negotiations between the United States and Taliban forces were taking place regarding finding a political solution to Afghanistan’s problems and ending the war and bloodshed in the country.

According to regional experts, all parties involved wanted to gain greater concessions in peace negotiations through increasing attacks and military pressure.

In early September (approximately a month and a half ago), U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly suspended peace talks shortly before reaching an agreement with Taliban forces.

41 Percent of Civilian Victims Are Women and Children

In the first half of 2019, the number of civilian casualties from attacks by Taliban forces and “Islamic State” (ISIS) militias in Afghanistan decreased. However, the number of civilians killed as a result of airstrikes by coalition forces increased during this period.

From January to September of this year, more than 40 percent of civilian deaths occurred as a result of suicide bombings and bombings. Approximately one-third of victims were killed in military clashes. Out of every five civilian victims, two were women and children.

Source: DW