ZURICH, Feb 24 (Reuters) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Saturday called for the protection of civilians caught up in clashes in Somalia.

"The ICRC is deeply concerned about the plight of civilians caught up in the fighting and calls on all warring parties to comply with the rules of international humanitarian law," it said in a statement.

The organisation said it was concerned about the fate of people who had been arrested in connection with the conflict, but whose whereabouts remained unknown to their families.

The ICRC, which has boosted its regular support to Keysaney and Medina hospitals, said it was urging all parties to ensure the wounded had access to medical facilities.

It called for humanitarian workers, medical staff and hospitals to be spared and protected.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 430 war-wounded have been admitted to two of the city's three hospitals. The death toll, which is estimated at several dozens, cannot be confirmed, the ICRC said.

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