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The fighting is worsening an already dire humanitarian situation which has left 1.5 million - almost a sixth of the total Somali population - in need of humanitarian assistance.
Civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence and hundreds are estimated to have been killed since June, although accurate death tolls are not available.
Humanitarian agencies have complained that all parties involved in the conflict have failed to respect human rights and protect civilians, also accusing them of hampering the delivery of aid.
In October, the head of the UN food agency's