A helicopter belonging to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSOM) tragically crashed on Wednesday while attempting to land at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.
The aircraft was carrying eight personnel when the incident occurred, and though exact casualty figures remain unclear, reports confirm that there were injuries and possibly fatalities.
The helicopter had reportedly departed from the Balidoogle airfield a known base for US and Somali special forces before heading toward the capital.
A civil aviation official, who spoke under condition of anonymity due to restrictions on engaging with the media, said, “The peacekeepers’ helicopter crashed during landing at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport.”
He added that firefighters and rescue workers were quickly dispatched to the scene to contain the fire.
Meanwhile, Halima Ahmed, a resident of Mogadishu’s Wabari district, told Anadolu,
“I saw thick smoke coming from the airport Wednesday.”
Another eyewitness, Abdirahim Ali, also described the moment of the crash, saying, “There was a huge explosion and smoke everywhere.”
Although some flight delays were reported at the airport following the incident, operations have since resumed.
Officials confirmed that airport activities are now back to normal, and there is no immediate threat to other flights or airport users.
Ahmed Moalim Hassan, the Director-General of the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, spoke to state media and confirmed that a formal investigation is now underway.
“Once the situation is under control and the fire is extinguished by the firefighters, we will know more,” he said.
“The firefighting team is still working to contain the fire most of it has been put out, but there is still smoke, which we hope will be cleared soon.”
In addition, aviation officer Omar Farah, who arrived at the wreckage early, said, “I saw the helicopter spinning and then it fell very fast.”
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSOM) is tasked with helping the Somali government combat al-Shabab insurgents, who continue to threaten peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The mission includes troops from countries like Kenya and Uganda, and the team’s work is considered essential in pushing back against extremist activities.
