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A helicopter operated by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) crashed during landing at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Wednesday, according to state-owned media outlet Sonna.
The aircraft, which had taken off from Balidoogle, was carrying eight passengers when it went down during its landing approach in Somalia’s capital.
Sonna reported on X that “the fire has been contained, and authorities are assessing the situation.”
The helicopter was part of the AUSSOM operation, which supports the Somali government in its ongoing campaign against the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
Despite the crash, Somalia’s civil aviation authorities confirmed that “flight operations remain normal.”
Though no casualties were officially reported at the time, online footage and pictures, yet to be verified, depicted a column of dark smoke rising above parts of the city.
AUSSOM continues to face financial hurdles amid heightened concerns over renewed Al-Shabaab activities in the Horn of Africa.