By Tragedy struck early this morning when a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) helicopter crashed near Mogadishu International Airport, claiming the lives of five personnel and leaving several others injured.
The Mi-24 combat helicopter, tail number AUO-015, went down at approximately 7:30am, just 200 metres east of the airport’s North Ramp. The aircraft was conducting a routine combat escort mission under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) when the incident occurred.
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There were eight personnel on board at the time of the crash, including six crew members. According to military sources, the helicopter crash triggered a detonation of onboard munitions, resulting in a massive blast that damaged nearby structures and injured three civilians in the vicinity.
The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer miraculously survived but sustained serious injuries and severe burns. They were immediately evacuated, alongside the injured civilians, to the AUSSOM Sector 1 Level II Hospital for emergency medical care.
“The loss of life is deeply saddening,” a UPDF spokesperson said, adding, “We extend our condolences to the families of our fallen comrades and pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Firefighters from Mogadishu International Airport and the United Nations, in collaboration with AUSSOM Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, responded swiftly to the scene to contain the fire and secure the crash site.
An official investigation is underway to establish the cause of the crash.
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This incident underscores the risks faced by Ugandan forces serving in volatile regions under international peacekeeping operations. Uganda remains one of the largest troop contributors to ATMIS, playing a pivotal role in the fight against extremist insurgents in Somalia.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation.
