Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – A helicopter belonging to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSOM) crashed early Wednesday near the eastern part of Afisyoni, the former Somali Air Force base adjacent to Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.
According to the Director of Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Maallin Hassan, the aircraft had taken off from Balidoogle airbase in Lower Shabelle Region, which is operated by the United States. The helicopter was carrying eight individuals at the time of the crash. Their fate remains unknown as rescue operations are still underway.
In response to the incident, approximately 600 meters of the runway have been cordoned off for cleanup and safety procedures. However, the remaining 2,400 meters of the runway remain fully operational, allowing aircraft to continue landing and taking off without major disruption.
Thick black smoke from the wreckage initially impaired visibility for approaching pilots, but airport firefighting units responded swiftly to contain the blaze.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash or the identities and nationalities of those onboard. Both AUSOM and Somali government officials have launched a formal investigation into the incident.