UNAMA condemns civilian deaths caused by shelling of village

6 Dec 2015

UNAMA condemns civilian deaths caused by shelling of village

KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemns the recent killing of nine civilians when explosive ordinance was fired into the village of Shahi Khil in Wardak.

Initial information indicates that the casualties resulted from the impact of a shell fired by the Afghan National Army. Four boys were among the nine killed in the 4 December incident and at least three other persons were injured near a mosque in the village.

UNAMA notes that President Ghani has assigned a delegation to investigate the incident and urges the Government to ensure an independent, impartial and transparent investigation and that those responsible be held accountable. The mission also urges the Government to provide appropriate compensation and support to victims and their families.

UNAMA reiterates its call for all parties to the conflict, including pro-Government forces, to cease firing explosive weapons into civilian-populated areas and urges the Government to prioritize the development and approval of a national policy on civilian casualty mitigation backed by an action plan with concrete objectives to prevent civilian casualties in the conduct of hostilities.

The UN Mission expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and a speedy recovery to the injured.