The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday urged all sides in the Somali conflict to spare civilians and respect international humanitarian law.

In a statement, the Geneva-based humanitarian agency said that it was "deeply concerned" about plight of Somali civilians, people wounded in the hostilities, and detainees.

It called on all parties to the hostilities "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."

It further urged all parties involved in the military operations, including the United States which had carried out airstrikes in the country, to take every precaution to spare and protect civilians.

According to the agency, the military operations still taking place in Somalia, including the recent U.S. airstrikes, have resulted in further casualties in the southern part of the country.

Since the outbreak of the hostilities two weeks ago, the ICRC has stepped up its support for various medical facilities in central and southern Somalia, including 23 clinics run by the Somali Red Crescent Society and three hospitals in Mogadishu.

It has supplied these facilities with a total of 16.5 tonnes of first-aid kits, surgical supplies and medicines.

So far, over 850 wounded people -- both civilians and fighters - - have been admitted to these facilities, the agency said.

Source: Xinhua