Explosions in Afghanistan Claim 455 Civilian Casualties, Says ICRC

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has revealed that 455 civilians were killed or injured in 234 explosion-related incidents across Afghanistan in 2024.

Alarmingly, 359 of the victims were children, according to the organisation.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ICRC highlighted its collaboration with the Afghan Red Crescent Society in delivering awareness programmes to over 240,000 individuals this year, more than half of whom were children.

The organisation underscored the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, describing 2024 as a year fraught with significant crises. It cited economic hardships, natural disasters, and the lingering impacts of armed conflict as the primary challenges facing the nation.

The ICRC voiced particular concern for vulnerable groups, including women, children, and individuals with disabilities, emphasising the urgent need for sustained international attention and long-term support to address these issues.

Access to clean drinking water was also identified as a critical challenge. The ICRC reported that it had rehabilitated 1,247 water pumps in nine provinces throughout 2024, aiming to improve access to this essential resource.

The report further revealed that floods impacted more than 119 people across 32 provinces, resulting in the destruction of 6,800 homes.

The ICRC called for continued efforts to deliver vital assistance to those most in need, urging the international community to remain focused on Afghanistan’s humanitarian plight.