Ground Battles in Afghanistan Contribute to Surge in Civilian Casualties, U.N. Says --- KABUL, Afghanistan — Driven by increased ground combat between insurgents and government forces, civilian casualties in Afghanistan surged 24 percent through the first half of the year, reaching their highest levels since 2009, according to the United Nations. The findings were released just as a Taliban attack unfolded in the densely populated center of Kandahar, the main city in southern Afghanistan. -- At least nine people were killed on Wednesday in the Kandahar assault and the ensuing gun battle, including four civilians, Afghan officials said. The battle illustrates how ground fighting, as opposed to improvised explosive devices, has emerged as the deadliest facet of the war. The United Nations report said that the death toll this year was especially high for women and children. - More, NYTimes, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/10/world/asia/civilian-casualties-surge-in-afghanistan-fighting-un-says.html?ribbon-ad-idx=4&rref=world/asia&module=Ribbon&version=context®ion=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&pgtype=article