Amidst the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the number of civilian casualties have reached a new high within the first half of 2021. This comes after the UN report revealed that the conflicts between US and NATO troops are on a raise.
1658 Afghan Civilians Killed Within First Six Months Of 2021
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released a report and stated that the civilian casualties have reached a new record level. It includes a sharp increase in the killings of the civilians and injuries they incurred since May when the international military forces began their withdrawal.
The 2021 UNAMA’s Afghanistan Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict Midyear Report stated that 1659 civilians have been killed amidst the rising conflict. And 3254 others have been injured within the first six months of the year.
The figures further showed a 47 percent increase in the overall civilian casualties within the first six months of 2021 as compared to the same period last year. This includes both death and injuries.
The report said that the it was shocking and brings out deep concerns towards women and children who made up to half of the civilian casualties in the cited time period. Of the 47 percent of the civilian casualties, 32 percent were children (1682 in total). And 14 percent were women 727 in total.
The report further said that it more women and children were killed and injured during the cited period than ever recorded before by UNAMA.
IEDs By Taliban Is Reported To Be The Leading Cause Of Increased Civilian Death Toll
As per the report released, the leading cause of the increased casualties is (reportedly) the extensive use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by the Taliban and other insurgents. It also includes targeted killings by anti-government elements, ground engagements, and the airstrikes being conducted by the Afghan Air Force.
At the same time, the report also attributed 64 percent of the civilian casualties to Taliban and other militants. Out of these, 25 percent were pro-government security forces and 11 percent were because of the cross-fire during ground engagements.
