What Happened in the Ugandan Military Helicopter Crash in Somalia?
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Synopsis
A Ugandan military helicopter has crashed in Mogadishu, raising fears for the lives of those on board. With five individuals believed to be deceased, the incident has sparked a major search and investigation. As the Ugandan military assesses the situation, the implications for ongoing operations in the region remain significant.
Key Takeaways
- Helicopter crash in Mogadishu raises serious concerns.
- Five lives feared lost among eight on board.
- Ongoing search and rescue operations are in effect.
- Investigation into crash cause is underway.
- Implications for military operations in the region are significant.
Kampala/Mogadishu, July 2 (NationPress) The Ugandan military announced on Wednesday that a military helicopter met with an accident in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, with five out of eight individuals on board believed to be deceased.
Felix Kulayigye, the spokesperson for the Ugandan military, informed Xinhua news agency that three individuals aboard survived the crash, and search efforts are ongoing.
"There were eight individuals on board. Three managed to survive but are suffering from severe burns," Kulayigye stated. "The search continues as they are battling the flames."
As per Kulayigye, a team will be sent to Mogadishu shortly to look into the reason behind the crash, which took place approximately 200 metres from the runway at Aden Adde International Airport early Wednesday. The helicopter was on a routine escort mission at the time of the accident.
The Ugandan military has ruled out the possibility of an external assault, with Kulayigye mentioning that Mogadishu has largely been cleared of the al-Shabab militant group, making it improbable that the Mi-24 helicopter was shot down.
"Being an attack helicopter, it was equipped with rockets, which ignited the fire. If this had been an external attack, we wouldn't need to investigate because we would already know the cause," he explained.
"This incident undoubtedly impacts the efficiency of escort missions for logistics convoys. Losing one helicopter does create challenges. However, it will not halt the ongoing operations," added Kulayigye.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) verified the accident, stating that the helicopter, managed by the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces contingent, crash-landed around 7:30 am local time (0430 GMT) after departing from Baledogle Airfield, located about 90 kilometers northwest of the Somali capital.
"Three of the eight passengers were promptly rescued and transported to the AUSSOM Level II hospital in Mogadishu for urgent medical care," AUSSOM reported in a statement.
Ahmed Macallin Hassan, Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, mentioned that flight operations at the airport are proceeding as usual, though a section of the runway has been temporarily closed due to debris from the crash.
In September of last year, the Ugandan military lost a transport helicopter while traveling from Mogadishu to Baledogle Airfield. All four peacekeepers aboard that flight survived, according to military reports.
Uganda has been a crucial contributor of troops to the African Union peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa since 2007.
Point of View
The incident highlights the inherent risks involved in peacekeeping missions. The continued commitment of Uganda to the African Union's efforts in the region is commendable, yet such tragedies remind us of the sacrifices made by those in service.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the helicopter crash?
The cause of the helicopter crash is under investigation. However, the Ugandan military has ruled out the possibility of an external attack.
How many people were on board the helicopter?
There were eight individuals on board the helicopter during the crash.
What is the current status of the survivors?
Three individuals survived the crash but are reported to have severe burns and are receiving medical care.
Where did the crash occur?
The helicopter crash occurred near Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia.
What is the role of the Ugandan military in Somalia?
The Ugandan military has been a key troop contributor to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia since 2007.
