Mogadishu, Somalia – A Ugandan military helicopter crash-landed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, sparking panic and black smoke across the facility. The incident, which occurred earlier today, reportedly involved eight people, all of whom were left visibly shaken though no fatalities have been confirmed.
According to aviation sources who spoke to the BBC, the helicopter was part of a routine mission and had departed from the Balidogle Air Force Station in the Lower Shabelle region before encountering complications during landing.
“We heard a loud explosion,” said Farah Abdulle, an airport employee who witnessed the crash. “A thick column of black smoke quickly engulfed the helicopter. It was chaos.”
Emergency crews were swiftly deployed to the crash site, with Somali Civil Aviation Authority head Ahmed Malim confirming that immediate response measures were taken. “The aircraft encountered difficulty upon landing,” he said. “An investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the crash.”
Footage from the scene showed fire crews attempting to douse flames as plumes of smoke rose into the Mogadishu skyline. Security at the airport was tightened in the aftermath.
Uganda is a key contributor to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which has been leading efforts to combat terrorism and stabilize the country. Its military has long operated air support missions in coordination with both Somali and international forces.
While there have been no official statements regarding injuries or fatalities, eyewitnesses reported that the passengers aboard were “embarrassed and disoriented” as they exited the smoldering wreck.
This latest incident raises fresh concerns about the safety of military air operations in conflict zones and the logistical challenges faced by peacekeeping forces across the Horn of Africa.
The helicopter crash comes at a delicate time, as Somalia intensifies operations against militant groups and continues to rebuild its aviation infrastructure.
In the name of the Lord Tesfamariam, Prime Africa News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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