UPDF Chopper With 8 On Board Crashes at Mogadishu Airport

A helicopter operated by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) crash-landed early Wednesday morning at the Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time as the aircraft, en route from Baledogle military airbase, attempted to land.

According to a press statement released by AUSSOM, the helicopter crash-landed just before touchdown.

Eight individuals were on board the helicopter at the time of the accident. Of these, three were immediately rescued and transported to the AUSSOM Level II hospital in Mogadishu for urgent medical treatment.

Their condition has not been disclosed.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate and retrieve the remaining crew members and passengers.

AUSSOM has confirmed that aviation authorities have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash.

The incident adds to recent concerns about the safety of peacekeeping logistics in Somalia, where AU forces, including the UPDF, have played a central role in combating terrorism and stabilizing volatile regions.

Further updates are expected as investigations and rescue efforts progress.