Statement by the acting Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan on the fighting in Ghazni [EN/Dari/PS]

Kabul, 13 August: “Residents of Ghazni City have seen their city turn into a battlefield since Friday morning, with fighting and clashes reportedly still ongoing. We have received initial reports of a number of civilian casualties and of people trying to reach safe areas outside of the city,” said Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, acting Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan.

“Medication at the main hospital is reportedly becoming scarce and people are unable to safely bring casualties for treatment. Main access roads both north and south of the city to larger cities where medical facilities are available are contested and unsafe for people to travel.

“According to sporadic reports from within the city, many families have reportedly taken shelter in their houses and are unable to leave their homes. Vital telecommunications networks and the electricity supply are down in the city of 270,000 people which has impacted on the water supply, and food is also reportedly running low.

“We call on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect the lives and rights of civilians and to protect civilian infrastructure. Notably, parties to the conflict need to ensure that access to medical services is not denied and respect for medical facilities and staff is upheld.”

For further information, please contact:
Philippe Kropf, OCHA Afghanistan, Public Information Officer (kropf@un.org, +963 793 001 110)