UNICEF Reports Increase In Afghan Children Casualties

The UN's children agency, UNICEF, says the year 2013 saw a 30-percent increase in the number of children killed or injured in fighting in Afghanistan compared to 2012.

A new UNICEF report on July 3 shows that at least 545 children were killed and 1,149 injured in Afghanistan during 2013.

It says most casualties were caused by improvised explosives, landmines, and suicide bombings.

Armed opposition groups, including the Taliban and Hezb-e-Islami, were responsible for 889 casualties, the report says.

Pro-government forces and international military forces were responsible for 206 casualties, mainly occurring during violent clashes.

And international military airstrikes killed 37 children and injured 19, according to the report.

Based on reporting by dpa and www.unicef.org.nz