(MENAFN- Daily Outlook Afghanistan) KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday said the violence unleashed in southern Helmand province this week forced thousands of civilians to leave their homes.
In a statement, the mission said initial reports suggest civilians have been killed and injured, including women and children.
'Violence only heaps further hardship and misery on ordinary Afghans and undermines efforts for progress and building bridges between parties at the historic peace talks in Doha.
UNAMA said civilians bore the brunt of Afghanistan's conflict. The number of civilians killed and injured --a key indicator of the intensity of violence-- has so far been lower in 2020, but in recent weeks a worrying reversal seems to be emerging.
The mission said civilians were routinely killed or injured in armed clashes with high casualties resulting from indirect weapons: mortars, rockets, grenades.
'These civilians, including many children, must be protected from harm. The only way to do that is to stop the violence.
UNAMA reiterated the urgency to halt violence and to focus on achieving a peaceful negotiated settlement to the Afghanistan conflict. (Pajhwok)
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