By Sayyid Omar

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stated that ongoing clashes in the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions have severely impacted the healthcare services provided by the health facilities it supports. The organization noted that hospitals near conflict zones are facing intense pressure in treating the wounded.

In the first three months of 2025 alone, the ICRC swiftly delivered medical supplies to 20 hospitals across Somalia to help them cope with the growing number of injuries resulting from the fighting, according to the organization.

Madina Hospital in Mogadishu, one of the facilities supported by the ICRC, received 203 patients wounded in the Shabelle region conflicts — a 26% increase compared to the previous three months.

“We have seen a significant rise in the number of weapon-related injuries being brought to the health facilities we support. We’ve also received urgent requests for support from other hospitals,” said Antoine Grand, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Somalia. He added, “This is alarming, as it poses a serious threat to civilian lives. We urge all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

The ICRC also noted that the country’s already fragile situation is being worsened by severe drought and a decline in financial support for humanitarian aid, putting the lives of millions of Somalis at risk.

The Red Cross concluded by calling on all sides in the conflict to protect civilians and allow healthcare and humanitarian workers safe access to those in need of urgent assistance.