Irish medic in Afghanistan: 'In one day we performed 20 surgeries on war-wounded'

Intense fighting in Afghanistan's Helmand Province in recent weeks has led to an increase in the number of war-wounded and has put extreme pressure on healthcare services, writes Irish medic Sarah Leahy

An Afghan boy receives medical care at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) physical rehabilitation center after being injured in fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security personnel, in Kabul on Tuesday. The ICRC has said that its staff has treated more than 4,000 Afghans this month in their 15 facilities across the country. Photo: AP/Mariam Zuhaib

Since May, when foreign troops started withdrawing from Afghanistan, we have witnessed heavy fighting. 

In recent weeks, the clashes between the Afghan army and the Taliban have intensified and moved into urban areas. Several provincial capitals have already been captured by the armed group.