UN in Somalia Says Al-Shabaab ‘Seized’ Copter was on Medical Evacuation

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GALMUDUG: The UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has confirmed that one of its helicopters experienced an ‘aviation incident’ in Galmudug as various reports indicate that the aircraft and its occupants were seized by Al-Shabaab.

“The UN can confirm that there has been an aviation incident involving a UN-contracted helicopter in Galmudug, Somalia. The helicopter was conducting an air medical evacuation,’ a statement from UNSOS read in part.

It added that rescue efforts were underway. The U.S based Washington Post reported Wednesday evening that Al-Shabaab had set the aircraft ablaze and that one crew died during the incident while two others reportedly escaped.

The publication, quoting a UN internal memo reported that ‘the helicopter “was struck by an object on the main rotor blade, and the flight landed safely with precaution.”

Local officials said the helicopter was travelling between Beletweyne in HirShabelle state and Wisil in Galmudug when the incident happened and was forced to land in Handheere area.