A record number of civilians were killed or injured in Afghanistan in the past few months, the local UN mission revealed on Thursday, as fighting and suicide attacks continue to plague the war-ravaged country.

Civilian casualties from July to September went up 42 percent compared to the same period last year, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report.

Even worse, the month of July was the bloodiest in a decade, with UNAMA recording the highest number of casualties in a single month since it began documentation in 2009.

Despite a drop in civilian casualties in the first six months of this year, the latest numbers meant the total since January – 8,239 injured and killed – was level with last year.

"Anti-government elements" were behind the majority of deaths and injuries, but there was also a hike in the number of casualties caused by "aerial and search operations undertaken by pro-government forces," UNAMA said.

"The harm caused to civilians by the fighting in Afghanistan signals the importance of peace talks leading to a ceasefire and a permanent political settlement to the conflict; there is no other way forward," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Special Representative for Afghanistan and UNAMA's head.

"Civilian casualties are totally unacceptable," he added, calling on "all parties concerned to pay much more attention to protecting the civilian population, including through a review of conduct during combat operations."

Fiona Frazer, UNAMA's human rights chief, called for continued mediation and dialogue "until Afghanistan reaches the only acceptable number of civilians killed and injured in the conflict: zero."

Taliban insurgents fighting the U.S.-backed Kabul government control more of Afghanistan than at any time since being ousted from power nearly two decades ago.

They have stepped up a campaign of suicide bombings in recent years as Washington tries to pull its forces out.

(With input from AFP)