The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported today, Tuesday, that over a thousand Afghan civilians have been killed in bombings and other acts of violence since foreign forces left the country and the Taliban took power in 2021.
The mission stated that 1,095 civilians were killed, and 2,679 others were injured between August 15, 2021, and May 2023, highlighting the security challenges even after the end of a nearly two-decade-long war.
The majority of deaths, slightly more than 700, were caused by explosive devices, including suicide bombings in public places such as mosques, educational centers, and markets.
Although fighting has largely diminished since the Taliban took control in August 2021, following the collapse of the NATO-backed army, security challenges remain, particularly from the ISIS organization. The UN mission indicated that the group is responsible for the majority of attacks and noted that bloody assaults have increased despite a decrease in violent incidents.
The report stated, "The figures from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan not only highlight the harm inflicted on civilians by such attacks but also show an increase in deadly suicide bombings since August 15, 2021, with fewer incidents resulting in a higher number of civilian casualties."
The Taliban claimed it is focused on securing the country and has carried out several raids against ISIS cells in recent months. In response to the UN, the Taliban-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Afghanistan faced security challenges during the war before their government took power and improved the situation.
It added, "The security forces in Afghanistan are committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and taking immediate action to eliminate safe havens for terrorists."
