MAIN ISSUES DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD
The security situation throughout South/Central Somalia remains unchanged with heavy fighting during the reporting period particularly in Mogadishu, resulting in significant displacement and civilian deaths.
- Approximately 26,000 people were displaced in August 2009 throughout Somalia, out of which roughly 19,000 people were displaced due to insecurity in Mogadishu.
- The number of war-wounded was high with 392 admitted to the main surgical hospitals in Mogadishu in August 2009, bringing the total number of war wounded admitted to these two facilities this year to 3,258. The true scale of civilian loss is not known due to the lack of official records and the lack of access to key areas of conflict.
KEY CONSTRAINTS ON ACCESS
OCHA - Somalia and its partners monitor the following categories of access issues:
1. Military operations and ongoing activities impeding humanitarian interventions
The security situation in and around Mogadishu deteriorated significantly since May 2009. During Ramadan, clashes between TFG/AMISOM forces and insurgents intensified. For example:
- 08 August, fighting between TFG/AMISOM forces and insurgents, occurred at Villa Somalia, Bakara market, Wardhiigleey, Howl-Wadaag district, Mogadishu, with seven mortar rounds fired at Bakara market resulting in the death of nine people and more than 15 others wounded.
- 20 August, fighting between TFG/AMISOM forces and insurgents took place in Debda and Trebunka, Hodan district, Mogadishu, and resulted in the death of nine people and 20 others wounded.
- 21 August, fighting between TFG/AMISOM forces and insurgents occurred in Trebunka, Km4, Taleh, Hodan district, Mogadishu. As a result, more than 11 people were killed and 25 injured.
It is difficult to provide a comprehensive picture on the impact of the ongoing hostilities on humanitarian response, although the continued violence in Mogadishu hinders the implementation of projects. However, on a positive note during the month:
- 08 August, five additional sites where wet feeding is provided were re-opened following their closure on 29 July. This brings the total number of operational sites to 15 out of the total 16. Only one site in Abdul-Aziz district remains closed, resulting roughly in 5,000 beneficiaries not having access to a daily meal.
