Civilian deaths in Afghanistan have increased by 42 percent
The number of civilian deaths in Afghanistan has increased dramatically. According to a United Nations report, about 1,200 civilians were killed in armed conflicts and violent attacks in the country in the third quarter of this year.
The number of civilians killed in armed conflict in Afghanistan in the third quarter of this year has increased by 42 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a report released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Thursday, October 17.
The UN report states that about 1,200 civilians were killed and more than 3,100 others were injured during this period.
This is the highest number of civilian deaths in Afghanistan since the United Nations began recording humanitarian casualties from the country's war in 2009.
Increased attacks during peace talks
The sharp rise in civilian deaths in Afghanistan from July 1 to September 30 of this year was largely due to an increase in the number of attacks by the Islamist Taliban group.
At this time, negotiations were underway between the United States and Taliban forces to find a political solution to the Afghan problem and end the war and bloodshed in the country.
According to regional experts, all parties involved wanted to achieve greater concessions in the peace talks through increased attacks and military pressure.
In early September (about a month and a half ago), US President Donald Trump unexpectedly suspended peace talks with Taliban forces shortly before reaching an agreement.
41% of civilian victims are women and children
The number of civilian deaths in Afghanistan from Taliban and Islamic State (ISIS) attacks decreased in the first half of 2019. However, the number of civilians killed by coalition airstrikes increased during this time.
From January to September this year, more than 40 percent of civilian deaths were caused by suicide bombings and bombings. About a third of the victims were killed in military clashes. Two out of every five civilian victims were women and children.
Source: DW
