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Afghan Civilian Deaths Soar 39%

Death toll is highest since invasion of 2001

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 17, 2009 6:18 AM CST

(Newser) – Civilian casualties in Afghanistan rose by 39% last year, according to the UN. Some 2,118 Afghans died in 2008, the highest figure since the Taliban were removed from power in 2001. Of those deaths, 55% were blamed on militants, the BBC reports, while 39% resulted from US, NATO, and Afghan forces. NATO, however, has rejected the figures as too high.

The civilian death toll in Afghanistan in 2008 was the highest since the American invasion seven years ago. (AP Photo)

The civilian death toll in Afghanistan in 2008 was the highest since the American invasion seven years ago. (AP Photo/Abdul Khaleq)

The civilian death toll in Afghanistan in 2008 was the highest since the American invasion seven years ago. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)

The civilian death toll in Afghanistan in 2008 was the highest since the American invasion seven years ago. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

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Afghan Civilian Deaths Soar 39%

Death toll is highest since invasion of 2001

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500th US Death a Troubling Omen in Afghan War

'Other' war claims 500 lives, now deadlier than Iraq conflict

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

ISI providing direct assistance, says secret NATO report viewed by the BBC

Sarkozy Wants Out of Afghanistan Next Year

France will withdraw combat troops by the end of 2013

Afghanistan Routinely Tortures Prisoners: UN

'Even stones confess here,' one guard said; Kabul promises reform

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Afghan Civilian Deaths Soar 39%

Death toll is highest since invasion of 2001

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Afghanistan • NATO • Islamic militants • death toll • Afghanistan war

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

500th US Death a Troubling Omen in Afghan War

'Other' war claims 500 lives, now deadlier than Iraq conflict

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

ISI providing direct assistance, says secret NATO report viewed by the BBC

Sarkozy Wants Out of Afghanistan Next Year

France will withdraw combat troops by the end of 2013

Afghanistan Routinely Tortures Prisoners: UN

'Even stones confess here,' one guard said; Kabul promises reform

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?