Security deteriorating in Afghanistan, warns Red Cross

KABUL, urging the warring parties to prevent civilian casualties.

“Spring is a good season of the year usually. But unfortunately it has a negative connotation with the resumption of the fighting,” said Gherardo Pontrandolfi, head of the ICRC delegation in Kabul.

He told a press conference in Kabul that this year was crucial for Afghanistan as the US-led coalition was expected to hand over the lead for security to Afghan forces sometime in the late spring.

“Spring and summer will be very difficult for civilians especially in the months ahead. The civilian population is bearing the brunt of this conflict,” he said.

Pontrandolfi said the Afghan Red Crescent had temporarily stopped humanitarian operations in northern Jawzjan province after unknown gunmen ambushed a medical van on Wednesday and killed two staff members of the local organisation. Two other Red Crescent staff members were wounded in the attack.

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