Attacks in Afghanistan 'up 39%'

The monthly average of armed clashes, roadside bombings and other violence in Afghanistan is running 39% ahead of last year’s figure, the UN has reported, with more complex suicide operations involving multiple bombers and gunmen.

The statistics show that the intensity of the nearly decade-old war is growing, not abating, as the US and other nations start to withdraw some forces with an eye towards pulling out all combat troops by the end of 2014.