UN: August the deadliest month for civilians in Afghanistan

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The United Nations says rising violence ahead of Afghanistan's presidential election made August the deadliest month of the year for civilians.

It also warns that attacks could increase again when the final results are announced.

This year is on track to be the bloodiest since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001. A total of 1,500 civilians died between January and August.

About three-quarters are blamed on militants and the rest on coalition forces - most of them in airstrikes.

Adrian Edwards, UN Spikesman on Afghanistan, said, "Well 2009 has undoubtedly been the most insecure year so far. We've seen a steady rise in the number of incidents per month since 2005. That's now at its highest level that we've seen. In terms of civilian casualties we've seen in the region of 1500 civilians affected by this conflict in the period from January up to August."