A UN survey shows a record number of civilian casualties due to terrorism and fighting in Afghanistan in the three months leading up to September.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan says in its report released on Thursday that 1,174 civilians were killed and 3,139 wounded in the third quarter of 2019.
The 4,313 casualties were the highest in a single quarter since the UN body began systematic records in 2009.
The report cites suicide and non-suicide attacks, mainly by the Taliban as a reason for the increase.
It says aerial attacks also caused many deaths.
The UN has expressed concern that US airstrikes against Taliban targets have caused civilian casualties.
The US said it reached a draft peace accord with the Taliban early in September. But the deal has been deadlocked.
The survey reflects Afghanistan's deteriorating security situation amid repeated terror attacks by the Taliban and Islamic State militants.
NHK
