A military helicopter belonging to the African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia crashed and burst into flames during a landing attempt at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday, according to reports from Somalia’s state broadcaster SONNA. The aircraft was part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), now operating under the new name African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The incident occurred in broad daylight and caused alarm across the airport complex, which is located near several military installations and diplomatic missions. The helicopter was reportedly carrying eight personnel at the time of the crash. As of Tuesday evening, the African Union and Somali authorities had not confirmed whether there were any injuries or fatalities, and an AUSSOM spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.
Witnesses described a loud explosion followed by thick smoke and flames engulfing the aircraft. “We heard the blast and saw smoke and flames over a helicopter,” said Farah Abdulle, a worker stationed at the airport, in an interview with Reuters. “The smoke entirely covered the helicopter.” Emergency services responded quickly, and the fire was later brought under control, according to SONNA.
There is no official statement yet on the cause of the crash, and an investigation is expected. Aviation safety experts and AUSSOM’s own internal review teams are likely to examine mechanical failure, human error, or possible sabotage, although there has been no indication of foul play so far.
The helicopter was part of AUSSOM’s air support operations, providing logistical aid, reconnaissance, troop movement, and medical evacuation in support of Somalia’s ongoing military operations against the Islamist militant group al Shabaab. The group, which is affiliated with al Qaeda, has waged an armed insurgency in Somalia for nearly two decades, aiming to overthrow the internationally recognized government and impose a strict form of Islamic rule.
Currently, AUSSOM maintains over 11,000 personnel in Somalia, including troops, police, and civilian staff. The mission was restructured in early 2024 to focus on gradually transferring security responsibilities to the Somali National Army (SNA) while maintaining a strong support presence in critical areas, particularly in southern and central Somalia.
The crash comes at a time of increasing operational pressure on the peacekeeping force, which continues to support Somali forces in offensives against al Shabaab strongholds. Although Somali government forces have made territorial gains, the insurgents remain active, often using guerrilla tactics and launching deadly attacks, including bombings and ambushes targeting civilians, military convoys, and public infrastructure.
Military helicopters like the one involved in the crash play a crucial role in operations across Somalia’s difficult terrain, especially in regions that are otherwise inaccessible due to poor infrastructure or security risks. Air mobility is vital for troop rotations, supply drops, and rapid medical evacuations during clashes.
Security analysts note that while accidents involving African Union aircraft are rare, they underscore the difficult and dangerous conditions under which peacekeepers operate. Weather patterns, dust storms, unpredictable landing zones, and maintenance challenges in conflict zones all contribute to elevated operational risks.
This crash also comes amid broader concerns about the readiness and sustainability of Somalia’s own military and air force capabilities. Though international partners, including the African Union, European Union, and United Nations, have provided training and funding, the Somali military remains heavily dependent on foreign support for logistics and air mobility.
There has been no official reaction yet from Somalia’s Ministry of Defence or the Office of the President. Similarly, neither the African Union’s Peace and Security Council nor its Commission had issued a public statement at the time of reporting.
The fate of the eight individuals onboard remains unknown, although local media speculated that search and rescue operations were ongoing. Hospital staff at nearby facilities confirmed that no casualties had yet been received but were on standby.
More details are expected to emerge as the situation develops. AUSSOM has promised transparency in past incidents and is expected to release a preliminary report after internal assessments are completed.
