Nairobi, Nov 16 (IANS): The UN children's fund (Unicef) has expressed concern over the impact of escalating conflict in Somalia where at least 24 children have been killed while 58 injured this October.
In a statement issued in Nairobi, Unicef also said it was alarmed by the recruitment and use of children for armed services and sexual violence of children and women.
"Increasing numbers of children and civilians are being caught in attacks and cross-fire across the south and centre of Somalia," said Unicef's Representative to Somalia Sikander Khan.
"Over the last several weeks, we have seen a very worrying rise in killings and serious injuries of children," Khan said as Kenyan troops continue with military operation aimed at targeting Al-Shabaab militia blamed for a series of abductions in the east African nation.