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Afghan civilian deaths 'increase' Afghan civilian deaths 'increase'
(20 minutes later)
The number of civilians killed in the conflict in Afghanistan so far this year has risen by 24% compared with the same period last year, the UN says.The number of civilians killed in the conflict in Afghanistan so far this year has risen by 24% compared with the same period last year, the UN says.
A UN report said that more than 1,000 people were killed in the first six months of the year. More than 1,000 people were killed in the first six months of the year, according to a UN report.
It blamed insurgents for using increasingly deadly modes of attack. It also said air strikes by government-allied forces were responsible.It blamed insurgents for using increasingly deadly modes of attack. It also said air strikes by government-allied forces were responsible.
There has been widespread concern in Afghanistan about civilian death tolls.There has been widespread concern in Afghanistan about civilian death tolls.
The report says insurgents were responsible for more deaths than government-allied forces.
But, it added, that the rising death toll was partly due to the fact that militants were taking cover in civilian areas.
In June the US military acknowledged concerns about the civilian deaths.
Gen Stanley MacChrystal, the new commander of US and Nato-led troops in Afghanistan said troops must make protecting Afghan civilians a priority.
But, the UN warned more civilians may be killed as militants battle a major offensive by US forces ahead of key elections.