Wed Jul 02 11:35:39 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A helicopter belonging to the Ugandan Air Force and operated by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) crashed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. The helicopter, carrying eight people, crashed while attempting to land after taking off from Baledogle Airfield. At least three people are confirmed dead, and the fate of the remaining five is uncertain. Witnesses reported an explosion and fire. The airport experienced minor delays but has resumed normal operations. The AUSSOM mission supports the Somali military in fighting al-Shabab.

**News Article:**

**AU Helicopter Crash at Mogadishu Airport Kills at Least Three**

**Mogadishu, Somalia** – A helicopter utilized by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) crashed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday, resulting in the death of at least three people. The incident occurred as the helicopter was attempting to land, according to airport officials.

The helicopter, owned by the Ugandan Air Force but operated by AUSSOM, was carrying eight people and had departed from Baledogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region. A Ugandan military spokesperson stated that the status of the remaining five passengers is currently unknown.

Eyewitnesses described a catastrophic scene. “I saw a huge explosion and smoke everywhere,” said Abdirahim Ali, a local resident. An aviation officer reported seeing the helicopter “spinning and then it fell very fast.”

While the crash caused minor disruptions, Ahmed Macalin Hassan, the director-general of Somalia’s civil aviation authority, assured the public that the airport is now fully operational. “The situation is under control. The runway is clear and fully operational – flights can land and take off as usual,” he stated.

The AUSSOM mission, comprised of over 11,000 personnel from Uganda, Kenya, and other countries, is assisting the Somali military in combating al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate seeking to overthrow the government. The crash comes as the Somali army announced the killing of a prominent al-Shabab leader in the Middle Shabelle region earlier this week.

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