MOGADISHU( Halbeeg News)-UN has released a report pointing out attacks against humanitarian workers in Somalia. The UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs (UNOCHA) said in a statement that 90 attacks targeted with humanitarian workers occurred in Somalia between January to September this year.
The agency stated that 8 aid workers were killed and 12 others sustained injuries during the violent attacks against aid workers delivering emergency support to the vulnerable people affected by drought and the floods.
Also the statement added that 18 people were abducted and 13 others were arrested temporarily during this period.
“Collateral damage from terrorist attacks in populated areas of Mogadishu has continued to account for the majority of the deaths and injuries, as well as for the destruction of humanitarian facilities and assets,” said the UN agency in its September humanitarian report.
OCHA condemned the increasing number of the targets against aid workers and humanitarian organizations in the country adding that the unpredictable situation will have direct impact to the vulnerable people in need of urgent humanitarian support.
“As parties to the conflict continue to temporarily take control of smaller towns and villages — holding them for short durations that range from a couple of hours to a few days — the resultant anxiety and unpredictable security situation has led to increased displacements,” said the report.
OCHA also stated in its report that the aid agencies in the Lower Shabelle region were forces to reduce or suspend their operations following the attacks during the last two months.
Al-shabab fighters often carry out attacks against aid workers and deny access to the areas under their control.
Discussion about this post