20100121
press tv

Amnesty International has accused the US of sending weapons to Somalia that could be used to commit "gross and widespread abuses."

The US deliveries to the Somalis, according to a Thursday report by the human rights group, included mortars, ammunition, as well as cash for the purchase of more arms.

The London-based group also raised fears that the weapons could be used by the government forces in indiscriminate attacks.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International demanded that Washington suspend further weapon shipments until there are adequate safeguards that the arms would not instrumental in committing war crimes and human rights abuses.

The African nation has been without an effective government since 1991.

Last year, clashes in Somalia killed thousands of civilians and displaced hundreds of the thousands more, according to the report.