The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) [website] released a report [materials] Tuesday finding that the July attack on a peaceful demonstration in the nation’s capital directly targeted civilians. The report focuses on the “planning and preparedness” of security forces facing the attack. It also touches on response by such forces directly following the event. The report calls the attack, “a serious violation of international humanitarian law.” It was the deadliest attack on civilians since UNAMA began its documentation, and, according to UNAMA, it may amount to a war crime.

In July UN Special Representative to Afghanistan Tadamichi Yamamoto stated that the suicide bombings in Kabul amounted to a war crime [JURIST report] . Earlier that week two suicide bombers targeted [CNN report] Shiite Hazaras who were holding a peaceful demonstration to push for more access to electricity in the region. Over 260 civilians were reportedly wounded from the attack. While the Taliban has been the cause of recent bombings and kidnappings in Kabul, ISIS immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. As ISIS increases its presence in the region, the Taliban continues to be Kabul’s primary security concern.