Afghanistan War: More Civilians Killed in 2019 by NATO Allies, Pro-Regime Forces as Compared to Taliban, Says UN
The figures claim that 717 civilians were killed till June-end by the pro-government forces. The maximum casualties were recorded due to the spree of US airstrikes aimed at Taliban camps in border regions. On the contrary, the death toll of civilians in militant attacks has been pegged at 531 till June-end by the UN.
New York, July 30: More civilians in the conflict-hit Afghanistan were killed by pro-regime forces and NATO allies, as compared to the insurgents groups including Taliban. A report by the United Nations reveal that the collateral death toll incurred due to the assault of US-led forces is significantly higher in 2019.
The figures claim that 717 civilians were killed till June-end by the pro-government forces. The maximum casualties were recorded due to the spree of US airstrikes aimed at Taliban camps in border regions. Afghanistan: Government Will Hold First-Ever Direct Talks with Taliban, Says Official
On the contrary, the death toll of civilians in militant attacks has been pegged at 531 till June-end by the UN.
The alarming figures come amid the ongoing negotiation between the United States and Taliban in order to achieve "long-lasting" peace in Afghanistan.
According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the maximum casualties were recorded due to the strikes by American warplanes. A total of 363 civilians were killed in the strikes, including 89 children, the UN body said.
The findings, however, have been rejected by the US military calling them inaccurate. The Army has maintained that its focus in Afghanistan has always remained to minimise collateral damage. "We always work to avoid harm to civilian non-combatants," a military spokesperson was reported as saying.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2019 09:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).