KABUL, Afghanistan - Gen. John R. Allen, commander, International Security Assistance Force, welcomes the latest report from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan that shows a reduction in coalition-related civilian casualties.
“Every citizen of Afghanistan must know ISAF will continue to do all we can to reduce casualties that affect the Afghan civilian population. This data is promising but there is more work to be done,” said Allen. “Even one civilian casualty is a tragedy and I will continue to direct each member of the coalition to work to drive the number of ISAF-caused civilian casualties to zero.”
Over the past year, ISAF has taken a number of measures to protect innocent Afghan civilians from the harm caused by armed conflict. The command continues to place significant emphasis on reinforcing the tactical directives that instruct coalition forces in safeguarding innocent civilians. ISAF hosts conferences and training specifically devoted to reducing casualties related to both land and air operations.
“The most striking – and obvious – component of the report is the increasing number of civilian casualties attributed to insurgents,” said Allen. “IEDs are now responsible for roughly one out of three civilian casualties according to UNAMA. The death toll from insurgent attacks is much too high and deserves Mullah Omar’s direct attention and action.”
“If the insurgency has any real interest in ceasing the indiscriminate killing of Afghan civilians, they will act immediately and stop any and all actions that kill innocent men, women, and children,” he said.
ISAF continues its work alongside the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the United Nations, and other organizations to protect the Afghan population and build an increased security environment to promote lasting peace in Afghanistan.