The United Nations is warning violence against Afghanistan’s civilian population has increased 23 percent over the same period last year. The head of the United Nations’ Afghan mission, Georgette Gagnon, disclosed the figures on Wednesday.

Georgette Gagnon: “The number of civilians killed or injured rose by 23 percent compared to the same period last year. UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) documented 1,319 deaths and 2,533 injuries, a total of 3,852 civilian casualties. This marked an increase of 14 percent in deaths and 28 percent in injures over the same period in 2012.”

The U.S.-led NATO occupation force is due to end its formal mission in Afghanistan next year. A new report from the Pentagon says the Afghan military will need “substantial training, advising and assistance — including financial support,” long after the December 2014 withdrawal date. The United States and Afghan government continue to hold talks on whether U.S. troops will remain when the mandate expires.