Afghanistan civilian deaths reach new high —again
Civilian deaths in Afghanistan have reached a new high at the mid-year point, according to a report (PDF) from the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) issued July 16. Although there was a slight decrease in casualties (deaths and injuries) overall, there have been more fatalities than in previous years, with nearly 1,700 killed so far in 2018. Since UNAMA started documentation in 2009, almost 15,000 civilians have lost their lives to the armed conflict in Afghanistan. UNAMA also reports that deliberate attacks on civilians from anti-government elements are increasing at concerning rates.
In June there was an unprecedented ceasefire for three days as Eid al-Fitr observance took place, when there were no civilian casualties in attacks carried out either by Taliban or government forces. In a press release (PDF), UNAMA chief Tadamichi Yamamoto stated: "The brief ceasefire demonstrated that the fighting can be stopped and that Afghan civilians no longer need to bear the brunt of the war. We urge parties to seize all opportunities to find a peaceful settlement—this is the best way that they can protect all civilians."
From Jurist, July 16. Used with permission.
Note: There were civilian casualtes in ISIS attacks carried out during the ceasefire, which was only observed by the Taliban and government forces. The UNAMA report comes a year after the agency released a similar report condemning an increase in civilian deaths in Afghanistan during the first half of 2017.
Trump orders talks with Taliban
The NY Times reports that the Trump administration has told its top diplomats to seek direct talks with the Taliban, a "significant shift in American policy..." We warn of another "peace-for-sharia" deal, with Afghanistan's women betrayed, and recall yet again the old anarchist slogan: "Neither your war nor your peace."
Suicide attacks mount in Afghanistan
suicide bombing claimed by the Taliban killed three Czech soldiers on patrol in the city of Charikar, Parwan province Aug. 5. (The Telegraph) Two days earlier, two burka-clad men killed 29 and injured more than 80 in a suicide attack on a Shi'ite mosque during Friday prayers in Gardez, Paktia. (BBC News)
Taliban talks in Uzbekistan; violence continues in Afghanistan
On Aug. 10, as more than 1,000 Taliban fighters stormed Ghazni City in southeastern Afghanistan, a Taliban political delegation was wrapping up a four-day foray to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The delegation, led by Taliban political chief Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, met with Uzbek high officials to discuss establishing peace talks with the Kabul government. (The Diplomat, AP)
Deadly suicide blast at Kabul school
At least 48 have been killed in a suicide attack in front of a school in Kabul's Shi'ite district of Dasht-e-Barchi. Jawad Ghawari, a senior Shiite cleric, blamed the ISIS, whch has carried out numerous attacks in the distrct recently. (Al Jazeera, NBC)
2018 record year for US bombardment
US has never dropped as many bombs on Afghanistan as it did this year. According to Air Forces Central Command data, manned and unmanned aircraft released 5,213 weapons between January and the end of September 2018. Previously, 2010 held the record for weapons dropped on Afghanistan with 5,101 releases recorded in total. (Forbes)