More than 2,100 civilians were killed in Afghanistan last year, 40 percent more than 2007, the United Nations says, a further sign of worsening security seven years after U.S.-led forces toppled the Taliban.
While 55 percent of the victims were killed by Taliban insurgents and their allies, one-quarter of all civilian casualties -- 552 people -- died as a result of air strikes by U.S. and NATO-led forces in Afghanistan.
"The growing death toll...is of great concern to the United Nations," the UN mission in Afghanistan said in a report. "This disquieting pattern demands that the parties to the conflict take all necessary measures to avoid the killing of civilians."
Read more about the UN report here.
While 55 percent of the victims were killed by Taliban insurgents and their allies, one-quarter of all civilian casualties -- 552 people -- died as a result of air strikes by U.S. and NATO-led forces in Afghanistan.
"The growing death toll...is of great concern to the United Nations," the UN mission in Afghanistan said in a report. "This disquieting pattern demands that the parties to the conflict take all necessary measures to avoid the killing of civilians."
Read more about the UN report here.