The United Nations says civilian casualties in sectarian attacks across Afghanistan, primarily against Shia mosques, have sharply risen over the past two years.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has documented 51 incidents of such attacks since January 2016. The attacks have claimed over 270 lives and left nearly 600 people injured. The figure is said to be nearly double the recorded figures for the previous seven years.

The latest deadly attacks were carried out three weeks ago at two Shia mosques, one in the capital Kabul and the other in the central province of Ghhor, killing at least 72 people.

The Daesh Takfiri terrorist group has claimed responsibility for most of the attacks against Shia Muslims, who accuse the government of ignoring their needs. The UN mission has recommended that the Kabul government take more serious measures in protecting people and places of worship from attacks.

Afghan Shia mourners and relatives pray in front of the coffin of one of 26 victims killed in a car bombing in Kabul on July 25, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Afghanistan is still suffering from insecurity and violence years after the US and its allies invaded the country in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The military invasion removed the Taliban from power, but militancy still rages on in the country.

In recent years, Daesh has also been making inroads in Afghanistan through alliances with local militant outfits.