Crash of Ugandan Military Helicopter Sparks Investigation at Mogadishu Airport

Authorities are currently investigating the crash of a Ugandan military helicopter at Mogadishu's main airport, which had eight people on board. The incident occurred shortly after the helicopter flew in from a nearby airbase, and details on casualties remain ambiguous.

The Ugandan military was reportedly involved in an operation against the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group in Somalia, continuing its longstanding commitment to aid the Somali government amid regional instability. Eyewitnesses described hearing a blast followed by smoke and flames enveloping the helicopter. Ahmed Maalim, head of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed that the aircraft had landed in the military section of the airport. First responders managed to contain the resulting fire quickly, minimizing potential casualties. An official investigation is set to determine the helicopter's technical issues or operational failures that led to the crash, as Ugandan forces remain an integral part of the African Union-led efforts to stabilize the country. The international community is closely monitoring the developments following this serious incident.