Tragedy at Aden Adde Airport: African Union Helicopter Crash Claims Lives in Mogadishu
🚁 Tragedy at Aden Adde Airport: African Union Helicopter Crash Claims Lives in Mogadishu
By Seigha Dora Ayedi | Italy | Global Egberi Media International
MOGADISHU, Somalia — A somber atmosphere enveloped Mogadishu on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, following the tragic crash of an African Union military helicopter at the Aden Adde International Airport, the capital city’s main aviation hub. The ill-fated aircraft, operated by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and belonging to the Ugandan Air Force, went down while attempting to land, resulting in the deaths of at least three people.
✈️ Helicopter Crash Details
According to Artan Mohamed, head of the immigration office at the airport, the helicopter had departed from Baledogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region with a total of eight people on board. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and chaos as the helicopter spiraled out of control, crashed into the ground, and exploded into flames.
“I saw a huge explosion and smoke everywhere,” recounted Abdirahim Ali, a nearby resident. Omar Farah, an aviation officer, described the chilling moment: “I saw the helicopter spinning and then it fell very fast.”
While three fatalities have been officially confirmed, the fate of the remaining five passengers remains unclear, according to a spokesperson for the Ugandan military.
🔥 Emergency Response and Airport Operations
Swift rescue operations were initiated following the crash. Firefighters and emergency response teams responded quickly to contain the blaze and clear the debris from the runway. As a result of the incident, minor delays were recorded in airport operations. However, Ahmed Macalin Hassan, Director-General of Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed that normalcy was quickly restored.
“The situation is under control. The runway is clear and fully operational – flights can land and take off as usual,” he assured.
🛡️ The Role of AUSSOM in Somalia
The AUSSOM mission, which includes more than 11,000 personnel from countries such as Uganda and Kenya, plays a pivotal role in supporting Somalia’s fight against extremism. They work alongside the Somali National Army (SNA) to combat al-Shabab, a militant group affiliated with al-Qaeda.
This week, Somali security forces reported a significant victory against the insurgents. In an operation carried out in the Dar Nama’a area of Middle Shabelle, the Somali Army eliminated a high-ranking al-Shabab leader, according to the Somali National News Agency.
🕯️ A Nation in Mourning, A Mission Continues
The helicopter crash is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by peacekeepers and military personnel working in volatile regions. As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, Somalia and its international partners reaffirm their commitment to restoring peace and security in the Horn of Africa nation.
Global Egberi Media International extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and calls for renewed global support to ensure the safety of those striving for peace on Somali soil.
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