Afghanistan Times
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AT-KABUL: At least three civilians were killed in a roadside mine in southern Paktika province, an official said Monday.
Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman for the ministry of interior confirmed the incident, saying “the blast took place in Jumuma village of the Khoshamand district while the victims were walking in the area.”
“Two women including man were killed in the blast.”
Sadiqqi blame Taliban insurgents for incident, however Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report.
Taliban insurgents frequently place roadside mines to target security forces but civilians are often the victims.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) earlier last month in a new report on civilian casualties renewed its call for all parties to refocus their efforts on preventing harm to civilians, as latest figures released by UNAMA for the first three quarters of 2016 show continuing high numbers of civilian casualties from the armed conflict.
“Between 1 January and 30 September, UNAMA documented 8,397 conflict-related civilian casualties (2,562 deaths and 5,835 injured) representing a one percent decrease compared to the same period in 2015.
Ground engagements remained the leading cause of civilian casualties, followed by suicide and complex attacks, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs),” it said in a statement. “Increased fighting in densely populated areas makes it imperative for parties to take immediate steps to ensure all feasible precautions are being taken to spare civilians from harm,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
He said that anti-government elements caused 61 percent of civilian casualties – 1,569 deaths and 3,574 injured (5,143 total civilian casualties). While this represents a 12 percent decrease from the same period in 2015, UNAMA continues to document anti-government elements perpetrating illegal and indiscriminate attacks, as well as deliberate targeting of civilians.
