Mogadishu, SONNA – An African Union helicopter operated by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the AUSSOM mission crash-landed early Wednesday morning near Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu while approaching from the Baledogle military airbase. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m., prompting an immediate emergency response.
There were eight personnel aboard the helicopter at the time of the incident. Three individuals were quickly rescued from the wreckage and transported to the AUSSOM Level II hospital in Mogadishu for urgent medical treatment. Their condition is currently being assessed.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate and assist the remaining crew and passengers, with military and emergency units working on site to secure the area and manage the recovery efforts.
Aviation authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Officials have confirmed that airport operations remain uninterrupted and under full control.
The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has not yet issued a detailed statement, but affirmed that all necessary resources have been deployed to manage the situation and support those affected.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.