In a press statement from its embassy in Kenya, the U.S said that it understands that humanitarian agencies have begun contingency planning to respond to the needs of those civilians fleeing from Kismayo to other regions in Somalia or into Kenya.

It said the U.S has seen a variety of recent reports suggesting that as many as 5,000 civilians have departed Kismayo and called for restrained civilian casualties.

Its call comes a time a coalition of forces lead by Kenyan troops operating under the African Union Mission in Somalia are advancing towards the rebel held city in order to dislodge militants fighters in the area.