An African Union (AU) military helicopter crashed on Wednesday while attempting to land at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, killing at least three peacekeepers aboard.
The helicopter, operated by the Ugandan Air Force as part of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), was carrying eight personnel when it went down, triggering a large fire and a massive explosion witnessed by locals and airport staff.
Rescue teams, including firefighters and explosive ordnance disposal units, responded promptly to contain the blaze and assist survivors. While three fatalities have been confirmed, the condition of the remaining five onboard is still being assessed, with some reports indicating injuries among crew members and possible civilian casualties on the ground.
The crash caused temporary disruptions at the airport, but officials confirmed that flight operations have since resumed normally. An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
The AUSSOM mission, which includes troops from Uganda, Kenya, and other African nations, supports Somali authorities in their fight against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabab, which opposes foreign military presence in the Horn of Africa.
This incident comes amid ongoing security challenges in Somalia, where recent military operations have targeted key al-Shabab leaders. The helicopter had departed from Baledogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region before the crash, highlighting the risks faced by peacekeepers operating in the volatile region
