Mogadishu, Somalia has witnessed a significant surge in the number of individuals wounded by conflict this year, marking a staggering increase of over 300% as reported by the Somali Red Crescent Society in comparison to 2022.
The escalation in hostilities stems from the government’s intensified military campaign against Al Shabaab and a fresh conflict in northern Somalia, pitting Somaliland against SSC Khatumo forces.
In Mogadishu, Galkacyo, and Las Anod, the Red Crescent teams have been tirelessly attending to nearly 1,900 individuals with weapon-inflicted injuries throughout the first eight months of 2023. The count of internally displaced people due to conflict has soared, surpassing 569,000 individuals between January and July 2023, representing a threefold increase.
Las Anod, in particular, has been a focal point of heavy combat, with more than 1,700 individuals receiving treatment for injuries and approximately 80 deceased individuals collected by the Red Crescent this year.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been actively involved in training Red Crescent and hospital teams to effectively manage casualties and handle the deceased with utmost respect. Between January and June 2023, the ICRC has provided assistance to 97,000 people who have been displaced by conflict, drought, or floods.
“The alarming rise in conflict-related casualties is a cause for great concern,” remarked Mohamed Mursal, President of the Somali Red Crescent Society. “Our teams are working tirelessly to deliver life-saving aid to those affected, but we earnestly seek increased support to address the escalating needs.”
