UN: The Mirza Oleng Massacre in Afghanistan Likely Constitutes a War Crime

The United Nations reported that the recent massacre of civilians by the Taliban and ISIS in Afghanistan is likely "among war crimes." In a report released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Sunday, August 20, it confirmed the deaths of at least 36 people in the Shia-populated village of Mirza Oleng in Sar-e Pol province. UNAMA states: "These killings, confirmed by several credible sources, violate international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime." The UN agency adds that more than half of these killings occurred on August 5, when villagers attempted to flee their village, which had fallen into the hands of anti-government militants. Afghan officials say that in a rare operation jointly conducted by ISIS and the Taliban, over 50 villagers were killed by these forces, with some victims beheaded. However, the UN report indicates that among the dead were 27 civilians, including one woman, four teenage boys, and 13 men over 60 years old. The report also notes that at least seven pro-government militants, one local police officer, and one Afghan soldier were included among the remaining dead. The UN report also mentions that one of the commanders involved in the attack claimed to be affiliated with ISIS, but UNAMA has yet to confirm this individual's organizational ties to ISIS. The Taliban and ISIS have been engaged in conflict in Afghanistan over the past two years, but there have also been tactical alliances in some areas against government forces. The Taliban previously stated that it had solely taken control of the village of Mirza Oleng and denied the massacre of civilians. Last week, ISIS claimed responsibility for the massacre of 54 Shia individuals in Sar-e Pol province. Since the withdrawal of most foreign forces in 2014, the central government of Afghanistan has been ineffective in countering the forces of the Taliban and ISIS. Afghanistan is currently the second country after Syria from which citizens are seeking asylum. Following the September 11 attacks, the U.S. overthrew the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in 2001. Now, more than 15 years after the establishment of the new government in Afghanistan, nearly 10,000 foreign troops remain in the country to support this government. According to U.S. estimates, the Afghan government controls less than 60 percent of the country's territory, with about half of the country under the control of insurgents or subject to their activities.