Civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan rose by 22 percent in 2014, making it the deadliest year since records began being kept in 2009, according to figures released by the United Nations.
A total of 10,548 civilians were dead or wounded in 2014, and for the first time ground operations surpassed roadside bombs as being the biggest killer.
"In communities across Afghanistan, increased ground fighting among parties to the conflict and more (improvised explosive device) attacks exacted a heavy toll on Afghan civilians," said Nicholas Haysom, the UN special representative in Afghanistan. "Mortars, IEDs, gunfire and other explosives destroyed human life, stole limbs and ruined lives at unprecedented levels."
"Parties to the conflict should understand the impact of their actions and take responsibility for them, uphold the values they claim to defend, and make protecting civilians their first priority," added Mr Haysom.
The annual report released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) comes after the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) formally ended military combat operations in Afghanistan last year.
A total of 10,548 civilians were dead or wounded in 2014, and for the first time ground operations surpassed roadside bombs as being the biggest killer.
"In communities across Afghanistan, increased ground fighting among parties to the conflict and more (improvised explosive device) attacks exacted a heavy toll on Afghan civilians," said Nicholas Haysom, the UN special representative in Afghanistan. "Mortars, IEDs, gunfire and other explosives destroyed human life, stole limbs and ruined lives at unprecedented levels."
"Parties to the conflict should understand the impact of their actions and take responsibility for them, uphold the values they claim to defend, and make protecting civilians their first priority," added Mr Haysom.
The annual report released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) comes after the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) formally ended military combat operations in Afghanistan last year.