Ugandan Military Helicopter Crash in Mogadishu Claims Five Lives

A Ugandan military helicopter tragically crashed at the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, resulting in the deaths of five personnel. The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived but sustained serious injuries. An investigation into the crash is currently underway, with local reports describing a loud blast followed by smoke and flames engulfing the aircraft. Ugandan forces are part of an 11,000-strong contingent supporting the Somali government against the al-Shabaab insurgency. Although flight operations were affected, domestic flights continued without severe disruption.

The helicopter was reported to be on a routine combat escort mission when it crashed, with the Somali Civil Aviation Authority confirming it descended in the airport's military zone after departing from Balidogle airbase, located about 90 kilometers north-west of Mogadishu. The incident caused delays for a Turkish Airlines flight, but normal operations resumed quickly after emergency services extinguished the fire.

As investigations unfold, the Ugandan military has pledged to provide more details while reaffirming its commitment to support Somalia in its ongoing battle against terrorism.

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