US exit spells Afghanistan’s deadliest year on record, UN says

The UN on Monday said Afghan civilians have been dying in record numbers since international forces quickened their withdrawal from Afghanistan in May and the Taliban upped their military offensives against the government.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama) said 1,659 Afghan civilians were killed and 3,254 were injured in the first six months of 2021 — a 47 per cent increase on the same period last year.

At the current trajectory, this year will be Afghanistan’s deadliest since record-keeping began a decade ago, the mission’s report, “Afghanistan Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict Midyear Update”, showed.

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“The report provides a clear warning that unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed,” said Deborah Lyons, the UN envoy to Afghanistan.

Civilian deaths ratcheted up after the US and Nato dramatically accelerated the withdrawal of forces from the country in May, after US President Joe Biden decided to end America’s longest war and leave Afghans to chart their own future.

Taliban offensives have led to the group capturing half of Afghanistan's districts and border crossings, as well as encircling, but not gaining control over, several provincial capitals. Fighting largely takes place in the rugged countryside.

Afghan soldiers unload supplies from an Afghan Air Force Black Hawk helicopter at the Kajaki Dam in Kajaki, Helmand Province. Afghan legislators have voiced concerns about the ability of the military to withstand a Taliban offensive.

Afghan Army special forces personnel graduate after a three-month training programme at the Kabul Military Training Centre. The Afghan military is under increased pressure as US forces are withdrawing after almost 20 years.

A graduation ceremony for Afghan Army special forces commandos at the Kabul Military Training Centre. The Afghan military is consolidating forces around cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure.

This strategy reflects an attempt to hold provincial capitals in the face of a resurgent Taliban.

A member of Afghan security forces at a checkpoint in Kandahar. All US forces are due to have left Afghanistan by August 31.

Hundreds of Afghan soldiers and officials have fled the country in recent weeks amid dizzying Taliban advances in border regions. About 50 Afghan soldiers fled to Pakistan after losing ground to the insurgents, the Pakistani army said on Monday.

Negotiators from the Afghan government and the Taliban have met in Qatar's capital, Doha, in recent weeks, but diplomats say there have been few signs of substantive progress since peace talks began in September.

“I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed of the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians,” Ms Lyons added.

Unama blamed the Taliban, the extremist group ISIS and other anti-government forces for 64 per cent of civilian casualties. Afghan and pro-government forces were responsible for a quarter of the deaths, while others could not be determined.

In a statement, a Taliban spokesman said the group had “not deliberately killed civilians anywhere or carried out attacks that could have resulted in civilian casualties”.

Chris Nyamandi, country director for Save the Children, a charity, said too many youngsters were caught up in the fighting. UNAMA's report found that 468 children were killed and 1,214 were injured in the first half of the year.

“The record number of child casualties we’ve seen this year could not be any clearer indication that the recent escalation of the conflict is already having a catastrophic impact on children," said Mr Nyamandi.

"As well as children being injured or killed in crossfires, we’ve also seen the destruction of schools and health facilities. This should be a wake-up call to the international community to keep investing in Afghanistan’s future before any progress that has been made here is undone."

The campaign group Human Rights Watch last week presented “growing evidence” of Taliban atrocities against civilians in areas they had captured, including in Spin Boldak, the town near the border with Pakistan they took earlier this month.

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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152