Deadly AU Helicopter Crash Rocks Somalia, Underscores Peacekeeping Perils

crash claims 3 lives

A tragic helicopter crash in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, has left at least three people dead and several others injured, marking a somber moment for the African Union peacekeeping forces stationed in the country.

The aircraft, operated under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), now restructured as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), went down early Wednesday morning at the Aden Adde International Airport.

According to authorities, the helicopter belonged to the Ugandan Air Force but was deployed in service of AUSSOM’s peacekeeping efforts.

The ill-fated flight had departed from Baledogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region, carrying eight individuals on board.

Tragically, only three of them survived the crash, as confirmed by both Ugandan military officials and AUSSOM representatives.

The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time (04:30 GMT) during the helicopter’s attempted landing.

Artan Mohamed, the head of immigration at the airport, noted that the aircraft lost control shortly before reaching the ground.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter spinning erratically before it crashed and exploded on impact, triggering a massive fire.

“I saw a huge explosion and smoke rising into the sky,” said Abdirahim Ali, a resident living close to the airport.

His account was echoed by aviation officer Omar Farah, who described the horrifying scene: “The helicopter was spinning out of control before it plunged rapidly to the ground.”

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and managed to rescue three survivors, who were immediately transported to the AUSSOM hospital for medical attention.

No official updates have been provided on their conditions.

Despite the chaos, airport operations were swiftly restored.

Minor flight delays were reported in the immediate aftermath of the crash, but by mid-morning, the runway was cleared and fully functional.

“The situation is under control,” said Ahmed Macalin Hassan, Director-General of Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority.

“Flights are landing and taking off as normal.”

The loss is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by peacekeeping personnel operating in high-risk environments.

AUSSOM, which currently has over 11,000 troops deployed in Somalia.

These include large contingents from Uganda and Kenya.

They are reportedly at the forefront of efforts to stabilize the country and assist Somali forces in their ongoing fight against al-Shabab.

The militant group, which has links to al-Qaeda, has waged a long-standing insurgency aimed at toppling the Somali government and establishing its own strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Peacekeepers and Somali troops are frequent targets of al-Shabab attacks, especially in volatile regions like Lower Shabelle.

Just days before the helicopter crash, the Somali National Army reported a successful counterterrorism operation in the Middle Shabelle region.

According to the state-run Somali National News Agency (SONNA), government forces eliminated a key al-Shabab leader in a raid carried out in the Dar Nama’a area.

The targeted operation underscores the high-intensity environment in which AUSSOM personnel operate daily.

While the cause of the helicopter crash remains under investigation, both the Ugandan and Somali authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough inquiry.

In the meantime, the incident has cast a shadow over ongoing peacekeeping efforts and served as a sobering illustration of the operational hazards these missions face.

International observers and partner nations have expressed condolences and reaffirmed support for the mission’s goals.

The tragedy also highlights the critical role of regional cooperation in promoting stability in Somalia.

Decades of conflict have made peacekeeping in Somalia both essential and extraordinarily challenging.

As Somalia continues its fragile path toward security and governance, the sacrifices made by peacekeepers, from helicopter crashes to combat on the ground, stand as a testament to the region’s enduring commitment to peace and recovery.

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