In 2009, 2,412 civilians were killed, up from 2,118 in 2008. Almost 70 per cent of them died in attacks perpetrated by the Taliban. For experts, this is a sign that the Taliban counteroffensive is gaining momentum. Basic services and social integration, not more soldiers, are needed to avoid losing the war.

Kabul (AsiaNews) – The number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan is up. A report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that 2,412 civilians were killed last year, 67 per cent by the Taliban, whilst 25 per cent died in operations conducted by Afghan soldiers and international troops, in particular air raids. For the remaining 8 per cent, responsibility could not be determined. The UN agency also pointed out that the data were incomplete.

These figures are the highest for civilian casualties in eight years of war, an increase of 14 per cent from the previous year. For experts, higher figures are the result of a change in strategy by the Taliban, who have increased their attacks in cities in an attempt to destabilise civilian life. Of the deaths attributed to them, the UN found that 44 per cent were caused by suicide attacks and roadside bombs.

US forces are in some measure satisfied by the report. They have in fact adopted measures to conduct operations in a manner that reduces civilian casualties to prevent protests and build confidence among the population.

The Taliban rejected the findings when it was first made public in statement on 7 January by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, blaming instead foreign soldiers for most of the casualties.

The UNAMA report does criticise the United States and NATO for locating their military installation in civilian areas because it increases the risk of attacks there.

It also noted that violence rose as the Taliban insurgency escalated and spread from the southern provinces to other parts of Afghanistan, such as Kunduz province and elsewhere in the north-east.

There is now concern that casualties will rise further once NATO and the US deploy 40,000 additional troops in an attempt to stabilise the country.

Sources told AsiaNews that the data suggests that the Taliban are “increasingly stronger” and “getting more effective every day”, so much so that “there are no possibilities of a military victory”. Afghanistan is deadlocked socially and politically. More troops will “not improve” the situation now as it failed to do in all these years.

According to the source, anonymous for security reasons, “the real problem is how to renew civilian life. After the 2001 intervention by the United States, there was hope and a sense that things could change. Now a widespread feeling of insecurity prevails among the population. There are no bridges, roads, schools, sewers and 90 per cent of the people is illiterate. We cannot operate mobile clinics any more. Once they could reach remote villages without fear of attacks.”

“People lack everything and see luxury villas built in Kabul. Corruption is widespread, not only in local government but also among those who manage billions of dollars provided by the international community.”

An “ethical revival” is necessary and foreign money should focus on essential services.

• afghanistan
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• taliban
• insurgency
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• civilian
• casualties