The number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan has risen sharply in recent months. Nearly 2,400 were killed and injured in two months. That’s the highest number in a two-month period since 2009, when the UN began tracking casualties accurately.
The increase coincides with the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan and the start of a series of Taliban military offensives. They have made significant gains in recent years. The Taliban mainly win victories in the province, but larger cities are also in danger of being overrun.
Fear of battles in urban areas
In the first six months of this year, 1,659 civilians were killed and 3,524 injured. The total, 5183 victims, represents an increase of 47 percent compared to the same period last year. Women and children make up almost half of the victims. One of the bloodiest attacks was on a school in Kabul in May, killing more than 300 people, including 85 dead. Most of the victims were girls.
In recent months, according to a UN report, many civilians have been killed outside the cities. The UN warns that the death toll could rise sharply if the fighting spreads to the densely populated areas and cities. “The pursuit of a military solution will only increase the suffering of the Afghan people,” the report said.
NATO and US almost gone
Peace talks have been going on between the Afghan government and the Taliban since September. Last weeks there were also encounters in the Qatari capital Doha, but not much progress has been made.
95% of international troops have now withdrawn from Afghanistan. The withdrawal should be complete by the end of August. US President Biden defended this month departure. He said it is now up to the Afghans themselves: “The current security situation confirms that fighting another year in Afghanistan is not a solution, but a confirmation that otherwise we must stay there forever.”
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