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ICRC urges warring factions to spare civilians in Somalia's Galkayo fighting

Xinhua, November 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday called on warring factions over the conflict in central Somalia town of Galkayo to spare civilians from the fighting which has left several people dead and displaced thousands of others.

In a statement received in Mogadishu, the aid agency called on Galmudug and Puntland forces to take all precautionary measures to protect civilians, health care staff and medical facilities.

"It's vital that the civilians caught in conflict -- families, mothers, and children -- be allowed to move out of the conflict zone safely. Civilians, as well as medical professionals, are not part of the conflict and must not be targeted," said Jordi Raich Curco, the ICRC Head of Delegation for Somalia.

The aid agency said it provided 60,000 displaced people with emergency relief last week including food for one month and water.

The statement comes as fresh fighting erupted again on Tuesday in the western part of Galkayo city where the rival forces are engaging heavy and small weaponry, including the artillery.

This is despite Puntland president Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and his Galmudug state counterpart Abdikarim Hussein Guled on Monday calling their commanders to lay down their weapons following a meeting with UN envoy in Somalia.

During their meetings on Monday, the two state presidents gave clear orders to their respective military commanders to reinstate the cease-fire with immediate effect.

Several people are reportedly fleeing their homes fearing further attacks by forces loyal to Somalia's two regional states in northern and central Somalia. Endit