Nairobi/Geneva (ICRC) - In response to ongoing armed clashes in the area of Kismayo (southern Somalia), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has sent urgently needed emergency medical supplies to various medical facilities in Kismayo, Marheere, Dobley, Afmadow and Jilib.

"This weekend the Somalia Red Crescent Society sent two war surgeons and an anaesthetist to Kismayo to support the local hospital," said Dr Ahmed M. Hassan, the Somali Red Crescent president.

"They took 400 kg of surgical supplies from the ICRC with them which were urgently needed for the treatment of war-wounded patients."

Local clinics in the Kismayo, Marheere, Dobley, Afmadow and Jilib areas were provided with dressing kits for treating up to 500 war-wounded patients. Last week the ICRC sent a truck from Mogadishu to Kismayo with 1,800 kg of surgical and other medical supplies to cover the needs of 100 war-wounded patients.

This week, in cooperation with local medical facilities, the ICRC is continuing to closely assess surgical and other medical needs.

The ICRC and the Somali Red Crescent call on all parties to the non-international armed conflict to comply with the rules of international humanitarian law by taking constant care in the conduct of military operations to spare the life and dignity of those not or no longer taking part in the hostilities, including civilians, captured fighters and the wounded.

Moreover, all parties to the conflict are reminded of their obligation to respect and protect medical staff and medical facilities and vehicles being used to care for the wounded and sick.