UN: Civilian casualties in Afghanistan hit record high amid U.S troop withdrawal

By the numbers: Afghanistan recorded 1,659 civilian deaths and 3,254 injuries in the first six months of this year, a 47% increase from the same period last year, according to the report.

• In May and June alone, nearly 800 civilians were killed and more than 1,600 were wounded — the highest number of casualties for those months since the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan began its systematic documentation in 2009.
• Women and children made up nearly half of the civilian casualties, per the report.
• More than 460 children were killed and 1,214 wounded.

The big picture: The U.S.-NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan is about 95% complete, with the U.S. mission in the country slated to end on Aug. 31.

• The U.S. departure has coincided with large territorial gains by the Taliban and a sharp uptick in violence.
• A regional U.S. commander said Sunday that the military has stepped up its airstrikes against the Taliban and will continue to do so in the weeks ahead.

What they're saying: “I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed of the conflict’s grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians," Lyons, said.

Go deeper: U.S. offers more air support to Afghan forces in fight against Taliban