UNAMA Investigates Civilian Causalities In Kunduz

The UN Mission in Afghanistan is investigating allegations that at least 32 civilians were killed and 19 others injured in air strikes in Kunduz city last Thursday, The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement on Sunday.

On November 3, a series of air strikes were carried out in Buz-e-Kandahari area of Kunduz city after a number of Afghan special forces and international troops came under attack by the Taliban in the area and lost some personnel.

Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan and Afghan Ministry of Defense have admitted killing of two U.S. soldiers and three Afghan special forces personnel in the operation.

Initial reports suggest that at least 32 civilians were killed and 19 others injured, the majority of whom were women and children, the UN Mission added in the statement.

Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA has called the loss of civilians “unacceptable” that undermines efforts toward building peace and stability in Afghanistan.

“When conducting aerial operations, international military forces should take all feasible measures to minimize civilian harm, including full analysis of the context for aerial strikes,” the statement citing head of UNAMA said.

UNAMA further urges authorities to ensure an independent, impartial and prompt investigation at the earliest opportunity.

The UN Mission has documented 206 civilian causalities (95 civilian deaths and 111 injured) between in a period of one week between 30 October and 5 November.