Thousands of people have fled their homes in search of shelter and security. Most of the over 400 wounded people treated at Keysaney and Medina hospitals have been civilians, including women and children. Keysaney hospital is run by the Somali Red Crescent Society, whereas Medina is a community hospital. Both are supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The ICRC deplores the high number of civilian casualties and is deeply concerned about the plight of civilians caught up in the fighting. It once again calls on all warring parties to comply with international humanitarian law, in particular by taking constant care in the conduct of military operations to spare the civilian population. The warring parties must distinguish at all times between civilians and fighters. They must not employ indiscriminate means and methods of warfare. Medical staff, hospitals and clinics must be respected and protected in all circumstances.

"The people of Somalia have once again been subjected to unbearable violence," said Pascal Mauchle, head of the ICRC's Somalia delegation. "The daily struggle for survival is exhausting their capacity to cope. After almost two decades of armed conflict they yearn desperately for security and a stable environment."

Doctors and nurses at Keysaney and Medina have been working around the clock to deal with the influx of patients. The ICRC regularly provides medical supplies for both hospitals, which between them have treated more than 1,200 casualties since January. The ICRC has been assisting the Somali population since 1977 in close cooperation with the Somali Red Crescent Society.