UN raises concern over rising Afghan civilian casualties in US airstrikes

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has expressed concern about the increasing number of civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes conducted by US forces this year across the violence-wracked country.

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has expressed concern about the increasing number of civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes conducted by US forces this year across the violence-wracked country.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, in a statement on Tuesday said it had received “multiple, credible allegations” that a strike hit the house of a teacher in the province of Kapisa on Saturday. Nine civilians, members of the same family including three women and four children, were killed.

“UNAMA reminds all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to protect civilians from harm,” the statement read.

“The Mission repeats its earlier call for government forces to uphold their commitment to regular review of targeting protocols and ensure mitigation measures and compensation for victims.”

Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish confirmed the civilian casualties during a joint operation by Afghan and US forces that involved air support. He said an investigation was underway.