The International Committee of the Red Cross says it has been forced to stop some of its activities in Leer County, Unity State, due to insecurity in the area.

In a statement, it says it fears that tens of thousands of civilians forced to flee new outbreaks of fighting will suffer from a lack of food and health care while on the run.

“How many times will South Sudanese civilians be forced to flee a town under attack, knowing that if they don’t their lives will be in danger?” said Franz Rauchenstein, who heads the ICRC’s delegation in South Sudan.

It reminds all armed actors of the absolute demand under International Humanitarian Law for civilians not to be targeted during warfare.

“We again ask of those involved in the fighting to not target civilians and let those trying to escape hostilities travel unimpeded.”

The ICRC also called on the warring parties to protect medical facilities.