Civilian casualties, particularly those of women and children, have hit a new record in Afghanistan. In the first half of this year; nearly 5000 people have been killed or injured.<br /><br /> Along with the deaths are a shocking number of injuries, and after 14 years of war the rise in child and female casualties is especially sharp.<br /><br /> In part this can be explained by more fighting in residential areas, and more fighting being done by poorly-trained militias. <br /><br /> “The vast majority, or 90% of all civilian casualties, resulted from ground engagements, improvised explosive devices, complex and suicide attacks, and targeted killings,” said the UN’s Afghan Human Rights Unit Director Danielle Bell.<br /><br /> Other factors contributing to the rise in casualties are the withdrawal of coalition air support and equipment resulting in the use of less accurate munitions, such as mortars.<br /><br /> “Unfortunately the security situation in our country is worse, and many people today are worried about the deterioration in se
