Afghan talks fail to halt civilian casualties
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The conflict in Afghanistan has killed and injured nearly 6,000 civilians in the first nine months of 2020 according to the United Nations, as high levels of violence continue despite peace negotiations
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CIVILIAN CASUALTIES BY PARTY TO CONFLICT (%), Jan 1-Sep 30, 2020

Crossfire and other 16
International military forces 2
Taliban 45
Afghan national security forces 23
Undetermined anti-government elements 7
So-called Islamic State 7

Total number of civilian casualties 5,939
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2020: 30 percent fewer casualties compared to first nine months of 2019, but number of civilians killed remained similar to last year
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CIVILIAN CASUALTY NUMBERS, Jan 1-Sep 30, 2012-2020

Killed 
Injured 

2012 2,154 3,655 5,809
2013 2,391 4,572 6,963
2014 2,865 5,169 8,084
2015 2,682 5,805 8,487
2016 2,623 5,916 8,539
2017 2,666 5,418 8,034
2018 2,870 5,370 8,240
2019 2,683 5,787 8,470
2020 2,117 3,822 5,939

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Sources: Reuters, UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS