UN deplores record hight of civilian deaths in Afghanistan

The first six months of this year were the deadliest for civilians in Afghanistan since the start of the conflict in 2001.

1,462 people died from January to June, a 15 percent increase on the same period last year according to a report by the UN.

Fewer people died as a result of attacks by government forces, but more people were killed in NATO air strikes.

They cost the lives of 79 people during the period in question – a fact which is fuelling anger among Afghans.

The report comes days before NATO is due to begin handing over responsibility for some provinces to Afghan security forces.

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