Interior Ministry reports 243 civilian casualties in 11 days

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has reported 243 civilian casualties in Taliban attacks over the past 11 days, but the rebel group blamed government forces for killing innocent people.

MoI spokesman Tariq Arian said on Sunday the Taliban conducted six suicide attacks and 62 landmine explosions from April 14 to April 25.

He added 63 civilians were killed and 180 others wounded in Taliban attacks and other terrorist activities. The incidents have also caused financial losses.

But Zabihullah Mujahid, the movement’s spokesman, rejected Arian’s allegations and said government airstrikes, raids and missile attacks caused civilian casualties.

In a tweet, Mujahid said the Taliban fighters had not carried out any attacks against civilians.

Violence has spiked in the country after the postponement of the Turkey summit on fast-tracking the peace process in Afghanistan.

The UN-led Istanbul conference was to begin on April 24, with participants including Afghan politicians, both warring parties and representatives from regional and international countries.

hr/mud