The war in Afghanistan killed 10 percent more civilians during the first 10 months of this year compared to 2008, despite several preventive measures taken. UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) showed civilian deaths in the first 10 months of 2009 at 2,038, up from 1,838 for the same period of 2008. The figures showed that the vast majority of 1,404 civilians were killed by militants, while 468 deaths were caused by pro-government forces. The civilian killings during NATO air raids and military operations had become a major cause of difference between Afghan government and western forces. US General Stanley McChrystal, who commands the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, has made it a central theme of his new strategy that civilian casualties should be minimized. However, ten civilians including eight students were killed in a military operation in eastern Kunar province yesterday leading Afghan President to call for a probe. Presidential spokesman Mr. Waheed Omar said today that civilian deaths are not acceptable to the government and ways to further reduce it will be on the agenda of London conference to be held on 28th of January. Mr. Omar said there should be more Afghanisation of security operations and Afghan forces should take the lead. The spokesman informed that improvement of security, reconciliation with militant groups, economic development, tackling corruption and improving regional cooperation will be the main issues during the upcoming conference. <br/>