9 Aug 2012

Civilian casualty numbers down

8:03 am on 9 August 2012

Latest figures from the United Nations say the number of civilians killed or injured in the Afghanistan conflict has fallen for the first time in five years.

The UN mission in Afghanistan says the number dropped by 15% in the first half of this year compared with the same period last year.

Roadside bombs were the biggest cause of casualties.

Another 10% were caused by NATO operations, including air strikes.