PRESS RELEASE | Aug. 10, 2010
ISAF continues efforts to reduce civilian casualties
By None , ISAF Public Affairs Office

KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 10, 2010) – Data released by the United Nations Assistance Mission Afghanistan highlighting increasing numbers of civilians killed by insurgents in Afghanistan is consistent with figures tracked by the International Security Assistance Force Headquarters.

While insurgent-caused civilian casualties remain a major security issue, ISAF Commander Gen. David Petraeus reaffirmed ISAF’s commitment to protecting and serving the Afghan people with the release of his Counterinsurgency Guidance and Tactical Directive. These documents provide detailed guidelines for the disciplined use of force by all ISAF and U.S. Forces operating in Afghanistan.

“We must continue our emphasis on reducing the loss of innocent civilian life to an absolute minimum,” said Gen. Petraeus in his recently released Tactical Directive. “Every Afghan death diminishes our cause. While we have made progress in our efforts to reduce coalition-caused civilian casualties, we know the measure by which our mission will be judged is protecting the population from harm by either side. We will redouble our efforts to prevent insurgents from harming their neighbors. ”