Several regions of Somalia have seen a sharp escalation of hostilities, and hospitals near active frontlines are struggling to meet a surge in needs. In the first three months of the year, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delivered emergency medical supplies to 20 hospitals across the country to treat an influx of patients with weapon-related injuries.
In the capital Mogadishu, Madina Hospital which is supported by the ICRC has admitted 203 weapon-wounded patients – a 26% increase compared to the previous quarter.
“We have seen a significant increase of weapon-wounded patients treated in the medical facilities we support since the beginning of the year, as well as an increase of requests for ad hoc support from other hospitals,” said Antoine Grand, the head of the ICRC delegation in Somalia. “We are concerned by this situation, as civilian lives are at stake, and we urgently call on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
In Middle and Lower Shebelle, hostilities have significantly increased since March 2025 and caused waves of displacement and civilian casualties. Likewise, military operations in the Bari region of Puntland have entered their fourth month, while regular confrontations continue to happen in Sool and Sanaag regions.
The surge in fighting across the country has not only put additional strain on medical facilities treating the wounded but has also forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes, placing more pressure on the dwindling humanitarian resources. This increase in armed violence comes at a critical juncture, as a looming drought and significant humanitarian funding gaps threaten to deepen the crisis and erode coping mechanisms for millions of people.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the ICRC and Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) have mobilized emergency teams and supplies to support affected communities.
Between January and March 2025, the ICRC has:
- Provided medical supplies including specialized surgical equipment and dressing materials to 20 hospitals across the country to treat the influx of patients with conflict-related injuries.
- Continued supporting Madina and SRCS Keysaney hospitals in Mogadishu, and Kismayo General Hospital, where 353 weapon wounded patients have been admitted since the beginning of the year.
- Continued supporting the three SRCS Ambulance Centres of Mogadishu, Galkayo, and Las Anod.
- Continued supporting 26 health clinics of the SRCS along the frontlines.
- Helped provide emergency first aid and medical evacuation to 433 wounded/patients through the SRCS emergency teams across the country.
- Delivered over 200 body bags and other materials for the respectful handling of the dead. Together with the SRCS, pursued its other activities in areas most affected by conflict in the fields of emergency assistance for displaced people, agricultural production, water, physical rehabilitation, helping families reconnect with loved ones, confidential dialogue on the respect for IHL, and visits to places of detention.
