KABUL - A United Nations report released on Wednesday says that there has been a 53 per cent increase in civilian casualties caused by targeted killings in the first half of this year in Afghanistan, compared to the same period in 2011.
Overall, however, the report prepared by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), demonstrates a 15 percent decrease in the number of civilian casualties from January 2012 until mid-year where 1,145 people have been killed and 1,954 others have been wounded.

Anti-Government elements, according to the report, continue to target community leaders, governmental authorities and civilians that they suspect of supporting the government or military forces.

The UN has attributed 80 per cent of the casualties to anti-government groups, saying Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) account for 29 per cent of the casualties, while targeted killings account for 22 per cent of the casualties. 882 people have been killed and 1,593 others wounded by anti-government elements, 14 per cent less than the same period last year.

Pro-government elements were responsible for 10 per cent of the casualties, showing a 25 per cent reduction in compared with the last year.

The UN has asked all parties to ensure civilian casualties are minimized, calling on anti-government elements to immediately cease using IEDs and suicide attacks.

The reports show that 114,900 people have been displaced due to conflict related violence which is 14 per cent higher than the same period last year. (Tolo News)