Since last weekend, almost 300 weapon-wounded patients have been admitted to Keysaney Hospital, run by the Somali Red Crescent Society, and the community-based Medina Hospital.

"Doctors and nurses are working strenuously to care for the patients," said Valery Sasin, a surgeon working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who coordinates the organization's health activities in Somalia. "Their capacities are often stretched to the limit; nevertheless, they have been able to cope with the influx of new arrivals. The hospitals receive enough medical supplies from the ICRC to be able to maintain all services even in times of great demand." Both Medina and Keysaney accept all patients, regardless of their clan or their religious or political background.

The ICRC and the Somali Red Crescent Society are deeply concerned about the plight of civilians caught up in the fighting. They call on all warring parties to comply with the rules of international humanitarian law, and in particular to draw a distinction at all times between civilians and civilian objects on the one hand, and persons taking direct part in hostilities and military objectives on the other. Attacks may be directed only against persons taking direct part in hostilities and military objectives, and constant care must be taken to spare the civilian population and civilian objects. Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited. Moreover, all parties to the conflict are reminded of their obligation to respect and protect medical staff, medical facilities and vehicles assigned to assist the wounded and sick.