US embassy in Somalia sends condolences after 3 killed in Ugandan AU helicopter crash in Mogadishu
In a statement, the embassy extended sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
The United States Embassy in Somalia has extended its condolences following the African Union helicopter crash that took place on Wednesday morning at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, the embassy extended sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
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The statement also reaffirmed the United States' support for Somalia and its African Union partners during what it described as a difficult time.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the brave warriors who lost their lives in service to their mission and wish a swift recovery to the injured,” the embassy said.
The helicopter crash, which occurred at approximately 7:30 am local time (04:30 am GMT), resulted in the deaths of at least three people.
The aircraft was operated by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and belonged to the Ugandan Air Force.
It had taken off from Baledogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region with eight individuals on board.
According to Artan Mohamed, the head of the immigration office at the airport, the crash occurred as the helicopter attempted to land at the airport.
Fire
Witnesses reported that the aircraft plummeted to the ground before exploding and catching fire.
Abdirahim Ali, a resident, said he saw “a huge explosion and smoke everywhere,” while Omar Farah, an aviation officer at the airport, told The Associated Press that he “saw the helicopter spinning and then it fell very fast.”
A spokesperson for the Ugandan military confirmed that three people on board the helicopter survived the crash.
AUSSOM stated that the survivors were taken to the mission’s hospital, though no further details were provided about their condition.
Following the crash, the airport experienced minor delays, but normal flight operations resumed later in the day.
Ahmed Macalin Hassan, the director-general of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed that the runway had been cleared and declared fully operational.
“The situation is under control. The runway is clear and fully operational, flights can land and take off as usual,” he said.
AUSSOM officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash, but an investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The crash is one of the most serious recent incidents involving peacekeeping forces at Mogadishu’s main airport, a critical hub for both civilian and military operations in Somalia.
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