The United Nations says civilian casualties in Afghanistan reached a record high this year, up 19 percent compared to last year.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in Kabul on December 20 that a total of 3,188 civilians were killed and 6,429 were injured by the end of November.
The annual report said that "the number of civilians killed and injured this year in Afghanistan is the highest ever recorded by the United Nations."
It also said that "ground engagement of troops and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are the leading causes of the civilian casualties."
The report noted that the number of women and children hurt rose 14 percent and 33 percent, respectively.