Afghanistan suffered $9 billion in losses in 2014 due to conflict: Report

A report says Afghanistan suffered a financial loss of more than USD 9 billion in 2014 as a result of long-lasting militancy and insecurity in the war-ravaged country.

According to the report, released by the Equality for Peace and Democracy (EDP) organization on Monday, the economic loss is equivalent to some 44 percent of Afghanistan’s net income.

Based on the EDP’s calculations, the country suffered a daily loss of about USD 24 million in the last year.

The report further noted that Kabul spent the money mainly to assist war victims and disabled individuals, and to provide health services and education to the public.

Afghanistan continues to face insecurity 14 years after the US and its allies invaded the country as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. Although the Taliban militant group was removed from power as a result of the invasion, many areas in the country are still threatened by insecurity.

In recent months, Afghanistan has also been witnessing a rise in the activities of Daesh terrorists.

The Takfiri terrorists, mainly operating in Iraq and Syria, have reportedly been recruiting militants in Afghanistan over the past months in what is believed to be aimed at establishing sanctuaries in areas traditionally seen as Taliban strongholds.