AU Helicopter Cr¶shes While Landing in Mogadishu

AU Helicopter Crashes While Landing in Mogadishu

An African Union helicopter with eight people onboard crashed on Wednesday morning while attempting to land at the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital.

The aircraft had taken off from Balidoogle and was on a mission under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is tasked with tackling the threat posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group.

According to Somali state media, the crash happened during landing, and a fire broke out but was later brought under control.

Authorities were at the scene to assess the situation.

Despite the incident, Somalia’s civil aviation officials confirmed that flights at the airport were continuing as usual.

However, videos and photos circulating online showed thick black smoke rising from the airport area.

The AUSSOM operation has been facing financial struggles in recent times, even as security concerns remain high due to ongoing attacks linked to Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa.