The worst fighting in a decade in central and southern Somalia has caused hundreds of casualties and is forcing thousands to flee their homes, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday.

Over the past few days, hospitals and other medical facilities in the area have admitted more than 800 wounded people, the Geneva- based humanitarian agency said in a statement.

The agency has provided a number of medical facilities treating the injured with first-aid kits and surgical supplies from stocks pre-positioned in Somalia prior to the outbreak of the hostilities.

"The ICRC is extremely concerned about civilians caught up in the fighting, wounded people and people detained in connection with the fighting," the statement said.

The ICRC again called on all parties involved to spare civilians and to ensure that captured and wounded fighters are treated humanely and receive adequate medical attention, and that medical staff, hospitals and clinics are respected and protected.

"In cooperation with Somali Red Crescent Society staff, our people are working tirelessly to assist the civilian population and wounded persons throughout the area," said Pascal Hundt, head of the ICRC's Somalia delegation.

"We are urging all parties to ensure that medical staff and humanitarian workers can perform their tasks freely and safely," he added.

The ICRC has regular contacts with all parties to the conflict. It has received assurances that it can safely operate throughout Somalia and that its planes can land there.

In the coming days, ICRC aircraft will fly to several destinations in Somalia to deliver surgical and other medical supplies.

Source: Xinhua