MOGADISHU, Somalia — A army helicopter crashed late Thursday afternoon whereas en route from Mogadishu to Ballidogle airbase, roughly 30 kilometers southwest of the capital.
The incident occurred close to Afgoye, with preliminary studies indicating the helicopter was focused by heavy artillery from Al-Shabaab militants, although all passengers, together with three Ugandans, survived the crash.
The helicopter, a part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), was carrying personnel when it went down in a bush space. Regardless of the severity of the crash, there have been no casualties reported, and all aboard have been rescued promptly by responding Somali police forces.
This occasion marks a big safety incident within the area, highlighting ongoing challenges confronted by peacekeeping missions and army operations towards rebel teams like Al-Shabaab. The crash website, positioned between Afgoye and Arbiska, underscores the risky nature of the world, the place such missions usually encounter resistance.
The short response by native authorities and the survival of all passengers have been factors of aid amidst the stress.
The incident has raised questions in regards to the security measures for army transport in battle zones, particularly given the strategic significance of Ballidogle airbase, which homes troops together with American troopers.
Additional particulars relating to the reason for the crash and the situation of the helicopter’s occupants are pending official statements from ATMIS and Somali safety forces.
This incident provides to the advanced narrative of safety and stability efforts in Somalia, the place each native and worldwide forces try to take care of peace towards persistent threats.
