Civilian casualties in US-led air strikes reach record high in Afghanistan: Report

In a shocking revelation, number of civilian casualties in air strikes carried out by United States and its allies in Afghanistan was found to have increased 330% since 2017. According to Brown University's Costs of War Project, as many as 700 civilians were killed in 2019, highest since first year of US-led attacks in aftermath of 9/11. 

project believes sharp rise in death toll is related to US relaxing its rules of engment in 2017, with increased number of air strikes balancing decreased number of troops on ground. In latest development, US has agreed to pull back on air strikes following a deal with Taliban in February 2020.  

Re: Afghanistan Government, Taliban Leers Anunce Breakthrough In Peace Negotiations

Meanwhile, Costs of War Project states that Afghan forces have stepped up ir own air strikes since US-Taliban agreement even as Kabul government negotiates a long-awaited peace deal with militant group in Doha. As per researchers, Afghan Air Force is w "harming more Afghan civilians than at any time in its history." 

Re: NATO Chief Stoltenberg Urges Coordinated Efforts Over Afghanistan Troops Withdrawal

Afghan peace talks breakthrough 

Earlier this month, Afghanistan government and Taliban leers anunce reaching an understanding. preliminary deal marks first written agreement between government forces and Taliban in 19 years of war. 

Afghan peace talks began on September 12 in Qatari capital of Doha, where Taliban has an office, but soon hit an impass over procedural matters. negotiators were divided about which form of Islamic law should govern disputes between sides. latest agreement on preamble of peace negotiation will allow negotiators to move on to substantive issues, including ceasefire discussions.

Re: President Ashraf Ghani Challenges Afghan Reconciliation Council; Accuses It Of Overreach

anuncement has been welcomed by international community as a 'springboard to peace'. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilz welcomed agreement in a series of tweets. He congratulated both sides on ir perseverance and said "this is what Afghan people want and deserve". 

Meanwhile, US is preparing to withdraw its troops from war-torn country at earliest. Trump ministration is expected to cut number of US forces in Afghanistan almost in half by January 15. 

Re: China Accuses Australia Of Diverting Attention From Soldiers' Killing Afghan People