​Commission concerned by increased civilian casualties

The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) has expressed concern over increasing civilian casualties from suicide bombings and armed clashes in the country.

AIHRC officials said about 7,500 civilians, including children and women, suffered casualties during the first 11 months of the solar year. They said 2,631 civilians were killed and 4,862 others were injured in violence during the period.

AIHRC spokesman Rafiullah Baidar told Pajhwok Afghan News those killed included 481 children and 304 women, blaming most of the civilian casualties on Taliban militants, particularly suicide attacks.

He said ground fighting, targeted killings, roadside bombings, rocket attacks, grenade attacks and airstrikes were the second leading cause of casualties among civilians.

"We have expressed our concern about civilian casualties to the government and the Taliban militants," Baidar added.

He called civilian casualties a humanitarian disaster and asked the warring parties to observe war and humanitarian rules and to prevent civilian losses.

Baidar said it seemed casualties had increased compared to the previous year, saying details of the casualties would be published next month.

Date: 13 February 2016

Source: Pajhwok Afghan News