Afghanistan: Record civilian casualties in 2021, UN reports - BBC News

The number of Afghan civilians killed or injured in escalating violence has risen to record levels in the first half of this year, the UN says.

A new report says Afghanistan has recorded more than 1,600 civilian deaths so far in 2021. That's a 47% rise compared to this time last year.

And the UN warns that the number of deaths could rise still further.

Afghan government forces have been fighting Taliban insurgents, who now control large parts of the country.

Most international forces have now withdrawn after a mission lasting nearly 20 years.