Civilian casualties dropped 15% in 2012 through the end of June compared with the same period of 2011. NATO/ISAF are responsible for about 10% of the casualties. IEDs (Improvised explosive devices) caused 33% of civilian deaths and injuries in 2012. Targeted killings of pro-government officials by the insurgents increased 53% compared with the first six months of 2011.
From 2007 to the end of June 2012, more than 21,000 Afghans, including 13,000 or 61% civilians, have been killed, and more than 24,000, including 14,400 or 59% civilians have suffered injuries in the 11-year long war. Civilians continue to pay the heavier price of modern war.
Reporting on casualties of Afghan civilians and security forces did not begin until 2007. Currently, various sources publish estimates compiled by US CRS (Congressional Research Service) and reported with a word cautioning the reader to consider them as guideposts rather than as statements of fact.
Afghanistan War | ||||
Year | Killed | Injured | ||
Total | Of which Civilian | Total | Of which Civilian | |
| 2012 | 1,667 | 1,145 | 2,699 | 1,954 |
| 2011 | 4,101 | 3,021 | 5,315 | 4,507 |
| 2010 | 5,361 | 2,777 | 5,829 | 4,343 |
| 2009 | 3,690 | 2,412 | 5,856 | 3,566 |
| 2008 | 3,566 | 2,118 | 2,418 | |
| 2007 | 2,899 | 1,523 | 2,072 | |
| Total | 21,284 | 12,996 | 24,189 | 14,370 |
| Percent | 61.1% | 59.4% | ||
Source: Congressional Research Service [CRS], Report R41084.
