The helicopter was on a "routine combat escort mission" as part of Uganda’s contribution to the African Union (AU) forces, assisting Somalia in the fight against the al-Qaeda-affiliated group, al-Shabab, which has caused turmoil in the region for over 20 years. Ahmed Maalim, head of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, explained that the helicopter had just arrived from Balidogle airbase, located approximately 90 kilometers northwest of the capital. The crash temporarily obstructed a Turkish Airlines flight but did not disrupt domestic travel.
Ugandan Military Helicopter Crashes in Mogadishu, Claiming Five Lives
Ugandan Military Helicopter Crashes in Mogadishu, Claiming Five Lives
A tragic helicopter accident in Somalia's capital leads to fatalities, while investigations begin.
A Ugandan military helicopter was involved in a devastating crash at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, resulting in the death of five crew members on board. The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer managed to survive but suffered "serious injuries and severe burns," according to Ugandan military spokesperson Maj Gen Felix Kulaigye, who announced that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. Eyewitness Farah Abdulle reported hearing a blast and seeing flames engulfing the helicopter, which emergency services quickly contained.
