African Union helicopter crashes in Mogadishu

 

A Ugandan military helicopter carrying eight individuals crashed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, according to an aviation official who spoke to the BBC. The crash occurred in the military section of the airport after the helicopter had flown in from Balidogle airbase in the Lower Shabelle region.

Following the incident, a fire broke out but was quickly brought under control by emergency services. Eyewitnesses at the airport described hearing a loud blast and seeing smoke and flames. Farah Abdulle, a staff member at the airport, told Reuters that smoke completely enveloped the helicopter after the crash.

The cause of the crash remains unknown, and there are no confirmed details yet on casualties. Ahmed Maalim, head of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed that an investigation is currently underway to determine what led to the accident.

Ugandan troops are stationed in Somalia as part of the African Union mission aimed at assisting the Somali government in its long-running battle against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabab. The group has been conducting an insurgency in Somalia for years, often targeting military and civilian infrastructure.

This crash adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the African Union forces operating in Somalia, who are frequently engaged in combat operations and logistical movements across a volatile and dangerous environment. The use of military aircraft is essential for transportation and support, especially in regions where road access is limited or highly insecure due to the insurgency.

More information is expected as the investigation progresses and authorities assess the extent of the damage and the status of those on board. The situation highlights the ongoing risks associated with peacekeeping and military operations in conflict zones like Somalia.

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