KABUL, 04 August 2021, (TON): The United Nations has called on Afghanistan’s warring parties to do more to protect civilians, warning that the impact of indiscriminate gunfire and air raids will be catastrophic. The Taliban ground offensive and Afghan forces’ air raids are causing the most harm, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) noted in a series of tweets.

UNAMA posted, referring to the Afghan National Army “Taliban ground offensive & ANA air strikes causing most harm”

“Deep concerns about indiscriminate shooting & damage to/occupation of health facilities & civilian homes.”

Since the start of the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan in May, the Taliban has intensified its attacks, making significant territorial gains, especially in rural areas of Afghanistan.

 Media reporters said “Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province, is witnessing its heaviest fighting in recent days and that Taliban fighters are in the heart of the city. The battle for Lashkar Gah is well underway at the moment.”

“There is fighting around the governor’s compound, around the police headquarters, around the prison, around the key buildings in the centre of the city and the gunfire we are told is pretty much non-stop as the intense fighting continues.”

Bays, citing the Afghan health ministry, said “at least 38 people have died in the past three days and 156 others wounded in Lashkar Gah.”