31 civilians killed in past few days clashes in Kismaayo

[Siciid85]

Warring factions in Kismayo careless about civilian losses, watchdog says
June 26, 2013

Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned Wednesday (June 26th) that rival militias in Kismayo must take precautions
to avoid further civilian casualties.

At least 31 civilians were killed and 38 injured in clashes between militias supporting rival presidential claimants in
Kismayo June 7th and 8th, according to the United Nations.

"The militias fighting over Kismayo showed little apparent regard for the safety of civilians around them, including
at a market and a medical clinic," HRW Africa Deputy Director Leslie Lefkow said in a statement. "All warring parties
should take precautions to spare the civilian population. The laws of war apply to all armed groups."

HRW urged the new United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to strengthen its human rights monitoring
section to document violations in Kismayo and throughout the country.


http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/ ... wsbrief-07