By Radarr Africa
The Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Ahmed Macallin Hassan, confirmed to local media on Tuesday that a military helicopter belonging to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) crash-landed at Aden Adde International Airport, in the Afisyoni section of Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia.
The helicopter took off earlier from the Baledogle airstrip, located about 140 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu. On board the helicopter were eight individuals, including ATMIS personnel. The exact condition of those on board remains unknown, as rescue teams continue their efforts to extinguish a fire that broke out when the helicopter crash-landed.
Mr. Ahmed Macallin Hassan told reporters that the fire was still burning when the crash was reported, but the airport鈥檚 emergency services were quickly on the scene to contain the blaze. The firefighting teams are working hard to prevent the fire from spreading and to help any survivors from the crash.
While the helicopter accident caused some disruption, the official said that flight operations at Aden Adde International Airport are continuing as usual. However, a section of the runway approximately 600 meters long near the Afisyoni area has been temporarily shut down. This closure is necessary because debris from the crash landed on that part of the runway, making it unsafe for aircraft to use until it is cleared.
The crash is a significant development for ATMIS, a regional peacekeeping force under the African Union mandate. The mission operates in Somalia with the goal of supporting the Somali government to fight Islamist militant groups, particularly al-Shabaab, and to help stabilize the country. ATMIS replaced the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in April 2022 and is made up of troops from several African countries.
Eyewitnesses at the airport said they saw thick smoke rising from the site shortly after the helicopter crash, and they heard the loud blast as the aircraft hit the ground. Some described the scene as chaotic as emergency responders rushed to put out the flames and help those who might have been injured.
The Somali government and the African Union have yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the crash or the status of the eight people who were onboard. Officials from ATMIS have also not provided updates, leading to concerns among families and colleagues.
Aden Adde International Airport is Somalia鈥檚 largest airport and a key gateway for both civilian and military flights. The airport serves as a crucial hub for international aid, business, and peacekeeping operations in the country. Temporary closure of any section of the runway could have an impact on flight schedules and logistics, especially given the ongoing security challenges in the region.
This latest helicopter accident comes amid continuing conflict and instability in Somalia. The al-Shabaab militant group has been waging an insurgency for nearly two decades against the internationally recognized Somali government, aiming to impose strict Sharia law. ATMIS forces work alongside Somali security forces to counter these militants, often operating in difficult and dangerous conditions.
The crash has sparked renewed calls for increased safety measures and support for peacekeeping forces operating in Somalia. Aviation experts and security analysts are expected to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash and recommend ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Families of the crew and passengers anxiously await news, while humanitarian organizations continue to provide support amid Somalia鈥檚 complex security environment.
The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as rescue operations continue and investigations get underway.