A Ugandan military helicopter operating under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) crashed at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Wednesday, killing five personnel and injuring three others, according to Ugandan military spokesperson Felix Kulayigye. The incident marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents involving AU peacekeeping forces in recent years.
The Mi-17 transport helicopter was attempting to land when it crash-landed and burst into flames, triggering secondary explosions from onboard munitions that damaged nearby structures and injured three civilians. Witness Farah Abdulle, an airport employee, described seeing “smoke and flames completely engulfing the aircraft” following a loud blast.
Of the eight personnel aboard, three survived with severe burns and injuries and were rushed to medical facilities. AUSSOM confirmed search-and-rescue operations continued to account for all crew members, though Ugandan officials later clarified no one remained missing.
Ongoing Security Mission in Somalia
The crashed helicopter was part of AUSSOM’s 11,000-strong contingent supporting Somali government forces against al-Shabaab militants. The al-Qaeda-linked insurgents have waged a 17-year insurgency to overthrow Somalia’s Western-backed government and impose strict Sharia law.
Uganda provides the largest troop contingent to the AU peacekeeping mission, which has been critical in securing Mogadishu and assisting Somali National Army operations against al-Shabaab strongholds. The crash comes amid heightened militant activity, including recent attacks on AU bases and Somali military positions.
While the cause remains unclear, officials noted no immediate signs of hostile fire. Possible factors being examined include mechanical failure, pilot error, or overloaded cargo.
