ICRC alarmed by Pakistani violence

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross expressed alarm over the string of attacks on the civilian population in Pakistan.

"Targeting civilians is the ultimate denial of humanity," said Jacques de Maio, the ICRC's head of operations for South Asia. "Its only conceivable aim can be to spread terror among the population. It violates the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law."

The Pakistani Taliban vowed revenge for the death of Baitullah Mehsud, its leader who was killed in an August airstrike. The Taliban claimed responsibility for a series of high-profile attacks throughout the country.

In attacks earlier this week, a massive car bomb in Peshawar killed more than 90 people as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in the capital Islamabad to discuss energy and security matters.

The attacks prompted the Pakistani military to launch a major offensive targeting insurgents in the volatile tribal belts along the border with Afghanistan.

The ICRC issued a reminder that international humanitarian law stipulates that civilians must be protected from attacks.

The relief group noted that "thousands" of civilians have died in recent weeks and millions more were displaced by the violence.

All parties to the conflict are reminded of their obligation to provide unimpeded passage of relief supplies to those affected by the conflict in Pakistan, the ICRC said.