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A Ugandan military helicopter carrying eight people crashed and caught fire at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia. The aircraft was part of the African Union peacekeeping mission, which supports the Somali government in its fight against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, Al-Shabaab.
According to Ugandan army spokesman Maj Gen Felix Kulaigye, three people survived the crash but suffered burn injuries. They were taken to hospital for treatment. The remaining five people on board have not yet been found, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The helicopter had flown in from Balidogle Airbase in the Lower Shabelle region, located about 90 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu. It went down in the military section of the airport shortly after arrival. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Witnesses described a frightening scene. “We heard the blast and saw smoke and flames over a helicopter. The smoke entirely covered the helicopter,” said Farah Abdulle, an airport staff member who saw the incident unfold.
Somalia’s state-run news agency reported that emergency services responded quickly and were able to contain the fire. While the incident did not affect the civilian terminal directly, it caused delays, including the postponement of a Turkish Airlines passenger flight. However, domestic flights continued to operate normally.
The African Union mission in Somalia, now known as the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission (AUSSOM), released a statement confirming the crash and noting that efforts were underway to recover the remaining crew and passengers. Both AU and Somali officials have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the incident.
This is the second helicopter crash involving AU peacekeeping forces in Somalia in recent weeks. An earlier incident occurred in the Hawadley district of Middle Shabelle, where another helicopter went down during an evacuation mission. That aircraft was assisting Burundian peacekeepers who were forced to withdraw from flooded areas, leaving them exposed to potential attacks by Al-Shabaab militants.
Ugandan troops are among the key contributors to the 11,000-strong AU force deployed across Somalia. These peacekeepers are tasked with securing major towns, protecting key infrastructure, and supporting Somali forces in military operations. Helicopters are essential to their efforts, providing transportation, medical evacuations, and rapid response support in remote and conflict-prone areas.
However, working in Somalia poses major challenges. Pilots often face poor flying conditions, including bad weather, limited infrastructure, and the constant risk of attack by armed groups. Mechanical issues, pilot fatigue, or external threats can all contribute to accidents in this difficult environment.
The crash at Mogadishu’s main airport has once again highlighted the risks faced by peacekeeping forces in Somalia. It also raises concerns about aircraft maintenance and operational safety during military missions.
The head of Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Maalim, confirmed the location of the crash and assured the public that civilian operations at the airport remained mostly unaffected. The incident occurred in a secure military area, which helped limit broader disruption.
As investigations continue, many Somalis and international observers are hoping for clear answers. The focus now remains on finding the five missing passengers and supporting the survivors as they recover.
Despite the setback, the AU mission reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s stabilization and security. Their presence remains vital in helping the country push back against ongoing insurgent threats and build long-term peace.