Islamic state air strikes help drive spike in afghan civilian casualties u n
According to a recent report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan has increased significantly in the first half of 2022, with airstrikes by the Islamic State (ISIS) and the Taliban contributing to the spike.
The report, which covers the period from January to June 2022, documented 4,313 civilian casualties, including 1,659 killed and 2,654 injured. This represents a 14% increase in civilian casualties compared to the same period in 2021.
The report attributed the increase in civilian casualties to a range of factors, including:
- Airstrikes by the Islamic State (ISIS): The report noted that ISIS-Khorasan, the ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan, has increased its use of suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties.
- Taliban attacks: The Taliban, which has been fighting the government and its international allies for years, has also been responsible for a significant number of civilian casualties, including through suicide bombings and IEDs.
- Ground fighting: The report noted that ground fighting between government forces and the Taliban has also resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties, including through the use of heavy artillery and airstrikes.
- Indiscriminate attacks: The report also highlighted the need for all parties to the conflict to take greater care to avoid civilian casualties, as many attacks have been indiscriminate and have resulted in harm to civilians.
The UNAMA report emphasized the need for all parties to the conflict to take immediate action to reduce civilian casualties, including by:
- Avoiding the use of indiscriminate weapons and tactics.
- Taking greater care to avoid civilian casualties in ground fighting.
- Conducting thorough investigations into civilian casualties and providing compensation to affected families.
- Working to prevent the use of suicide bombings and IEDs.
The report also highlighted the need for the international community to continue to support the Afghan government and people in their efforts to reduce civilian casualties and promote peace and stability in the country.
It's worth noting that the situation in Afghanistan is complex and volatile, and the conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of assistance. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are working to provide aid to affected populations, but the situation remains challenging and requires continued international support.