Threats force UN to stop food aid in Somalia

United Nations, Jan 6: Rising threats to humanitarian work in Somalia has resulted in the UN World Food Program suspending aid in southern Somalia.

"The World Food Program has suspended much of its operations in much of Southern Somalia due to rising security threats and attacks on humanitarian operations," UN spokersperson, Martin Nesirky said.

The decision would leave over one million people without food.

"Up to a million people that have been dependent on food assistance in southern Somalia face a situation that is particularly dire," WFP spokesperson Emilia Casella said in Geneva.

Nerisky added that UN offices in and around Southern Somalia has been temporarily shut down and food supply and equipment in these areas have been moved out.

Citing threats and attacks, coupled with facing numerous unacceptable demands as the reason behind the drastic move, Casella said that armed groups has asked for the removal of women workers and payment for protection of aid workers.

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