Credit: Unsplash
UN Mission Aircraft Taken by Militants After Technical Issue
In a concerning development, the al-Qaeda-affiliated group al-Shabab has reportedly taken control of a United Nations (UN) helicopter that landed in their area of control in Galmudug state, Somalia. The helicopter, which was part of the UN mission in the region, encountered a technical glitch and made an emergency landing near Gadoon village in the Galgaduud region.
According to reports from Al Jazeera, the incident involved nine individuals, including military personnel and a contractor from outside the company. At least six passengers have been taken into custody by al-Shabab. A UN official in Mogadishu has confirmed the incident, and all UN flights in the vicinity have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure.
Shortly after the incident, Major Hassan Ali informed Reuters news agency that the helicopter had encountered a problem after taking off from Beledweyne city in central Somalia. The aircraft was carrying medical supplies and was intended to transport injured soldiers from the Galgaduud region.
How did a UN helicopter fall into al-Shabab’s hands in Somalia? https://t.co/jourD5bvJl
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 12, 2024
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed the incident involving a UN-contracted helicopter in Galmudug, Somalia, stating, “I can confirm the incident involved a UN-contracted helicopter that took place today in Galmudug, Somalia.”
The UN is closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
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