Almost 4000 civilians killed or wounded in Afghanistan: UN report

At least 3,812 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded in the first half of 2019 in the war against Islamist militant groups, a U.N. report said on Tuesday.

The UN mid-year report has noted a 27 percent reduction in civilian casualties in Afghanistan compared to the same period in 2018.

The UN welcomes the reduction in civilian casualties in the 1 January-30 June 2019 period, but continues to regard the level of harm done to civilians as shocking and unacceptable.

The latest casualty figures were released as talks between the Taliban and U.S officials to end the 18-year Afghan war entered an important stage, with U.S. negotiators aiming to reach a peace deal before Sept. 1.

The UN report says that ground engagements remained the leading cause of civilian casualties, causing one-third of the overall total, albeit a 16 percent decrease compared to the first half of 2018.

According to the report, the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mainly in non-suicide attacks, was the second leading cause.

Taliban and Islamic State fighters killed 531 Afghans and wounded 1,437 between Jan. 1 and June 30. The hardline Islamist groups deliberately targeted 985 civilians, including government officials, tribal elders, aid workers, and religious scholars, the UNAMA report said.

It said pro-government forces killed 717 Afghans and wounded 680 in the six months to June 30, a 31% increase from the corresponding period in 2018.

The Taliban control or contest half the country, more than at any time since being overthrown by the U.S.-led Afghan forces in late 2001, but have rejected calls for a ceasefire until all foreign forces leave Afghanistan.