U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is concerned that U.S. bombing in southern Somalia could escalate hostilities and harm civilians who are reported to have been killed in the airstrikes, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. "Notwithstanding the motives for this reported military action, the secretary-general is concerned about the new dimension this kind of action could introduce to the conflict and the possible escalation of hostilities that may result," spokeswoman Michele Montas said. "He is also concerned about the impact this would have on the civilian population in southern Somalia and regrets the reported loss of civilian lives," she said.Ban said last week the rout of the Islamic movement by Ethiopian troops and Somali forces supporting the country's U.N.-backed transitional government offered "a new opportunity" for the government to establish full authority throughout the country. He urged the government to seek political reconciliation, called for the speedy deployment of African peacekeepers, and welcomed Ethiopia's statement it intends to withdraw its forces "expeditiously." Asked whether the U.S. bombing violated the arms embargo, Montas said the council would be discussing Somalia on Wednesday. The U.N. is trying to gather more information about the situation, she said. Montas said U.N. humanitarian operations in the area where the bombs were being dropped were suspended and international staff were evacuated before Christmas when the recent fighting started.