Ugandan military helicopter crashes at Somalia airport, official says

A Ugandan military helicopter crashed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, with eight individuals on board, according to an aviation official's report to the BBC. Following the crash, a fire erupted, but emergency services were able to contain it swiftly. Eyewitness accounts, including that of airport staff member Farah Abdulle, described the scene, noting they heard a blast and saw significant smoke and flames emanating from the helicopter. Video footage captured the aftermath, showcasing thick plumes of smoke rising from the airport premises. While the precise cause of the crash remains unknown, the head of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Maalim, indicated that the helicopter had just arrived from Balidogle airbase located in the Lower Shabelle region and came down in the airport's military section. An investigation is currently underway to determine the factors leading to the incident.

The Ugandan military is part of the African Union (AU) forces stationed in Somalia, where they assist the government in combating the al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group al-Shabab, which has been involved in an ongoing insurgency. The presence of these troops highlights the broader context of security challenges faced in Somalia, where violence and instability have persisted for years. The incident at the airport underscores the risks associated with military operations in the region, as well as the potential dangers posed to both military personnel and civilians in proximity to such events. As investigations proceed, further updates are expected regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash and any casualties that may have resulted from this unfortunate incident.