UN reports reduction in civilian casualties in Afghanistan in first quarter of 2019

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has reported a 23 percent reduction in civilian casualties during the first quarter of 2019, citing a reduction in suicide attacks and harsh winter conditions as the likely causes of reduced civilian casualties.

According to a report released by UNAMA, the mission documented 1,773 civilian casualties (581 deaths and 1,192 injured), including 582 child casualties (150 deaths and 432 injured) from 1^stJanuary to 31^st of March.

The report further added “UNAMA is very concerned by the continued targeting of civilians and increase in civilian casualties from the use of non-suicide IEDs by Anti-Government Elements, as well as significant increases in civilian casualties from aerial and search operations, which drove an overall increase in civilian casualties by Pro-Government Forces. Civilian deaths attributed to Pro-Government Forces surpassed those attributed to Anti-Government Elements during the first quarter of 2019.”