Afghanistan's violence has killed almost as many civilians as it has insurgents in the country's north so far this year, the northern police commander told TOLOnews.
Some 123 civilians have been killed in attacks across the north and north-eastern provinces, compared with the death of 152 insurgents, according to statistics given by 303rd Pamir Police Zone Commander General Baba Jan in a recent interview.
The conflict has also claimed the lives of 52 Afghan police officers, he said.
The main killers of the 52 police, including national, local, and border police are suicide attacks and roadside bombs, according to the commander.
The 152 insurgents were mainly killed in Afghan security operations, he said, adding that some 24 clearing operations have been launched by northern police forces this year, with a further 47 clearing operations conducted by army and other security forces in the north and north eastern provinces.
Another 90 insurgents were wounded as a result of the operations while 142 insurgents were captured. Among the ammunition seized during the operations were 12 vests laden with improvised explosives - or so-called suicide vests.
The 123 civilians caught up in the violence includes many women and children, with dozens more were injured, he said.
Meanwhile, some 243 insurgents have renounced violence and joined the Afghan peace process, Baba Jan added.