A military helicopter serving the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia has crashed at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle airport, killing at least three people. The helicopter, originally from Uganda’s air force, was on its way to Balli-doogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region with eight people on board.
According to Somali authorities, the crash happened during a routine arrival, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident. Aviation officials confirmed that there were “huge explosions” and smoke everywhere after the helicopter spun out of control before crashing.
The African Union peacekeeping mission, AUSSOM, is assisting Somali forces in fighting extremist rebels al-Shabab, who oppose foreign troops in Somalia. The incident has caused minor delays at the airport but flights have since resumed.
Resident Abdirahim Ali witnessed the crash and described it as “a huge explosion and smoke everywhere”. Aviation officer Omar Farah, who was among the first to reach the wreckage, reported seeing the helicopter spin before it fell rapidly. The Somalia Civil Aviation Authority is working to contain the fire and clear the smoke, which is expected to be extinguished soon.
The African Union peacekeeping mission has troops from countries such as Uganda and Kenya. The incident highlights the risks faced by peacekeepers in Somalia as they work to stabilize the country.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/african-union-military-aircraft-crashes-somalias-capital-123401931