afrol News, 19 May - The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed deep concern over the weeks of violence in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, which has led to a growing number of displaced Somali population.

The fighting between forces loyal to the Somali transitional federal government and the opposition groups have so far left over 130 dead and 300 wounded, according to reports.

UNHCR reported that the average displacement has increased sharply with the escalation of violence in the capital, with an estimated 30,000 people in the Somali capital that fled their homes last week only.

The agency further stated that the center of Mogadishu's hospitals are crowded with the victims, saying many people are trapped in their homes as armed forces roam in the city.

Last Friday, the UN Security Council and the UN expressed a deep concern at reports that claim that Eritrea has provided arms to the opponents of the transitional government. Somalia is currently under the arms embargo.

The Council has requested the Group Controller of UN Sanctions to investigate arms reports.

The council further urged both the National Security and opposition groups to immediately cease its offensive and to disarm, and to renounce violence and join the national reconciliation efforts.

The Transitional Government of Somalia has accused Eritrea of supporting the militant extremist group Al Shabab, with an assortment of assault rifles such asthe AK-47, grenades and other weapons.

The fighting between government forces and Islamist fighters in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, which started more than a week ago, had advanced to the edge of the presidential palace late last week.

The Horn of Africa nation has been marred by constant civil conflict dating as far back as in the early 1990’s. It is estimated that more than 16,000 civilians have been killed by fighting since the start of 2007, with thousands more displaced.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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