A United Nations helicopter, carrying several passengers, has been captured by the terror group al-Shabaab after making an emergency landing in an area controlled by the group, confirmed UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Wednesday.
The UN emergency assistance helicopter made the emergency landing, likely due to a mechanical issue, in Somalia’s Galmudug region, which is under the control of the al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group, as reported by the Somali National News Agency (SONNA). There were eight passengers on board, including foreigners, and a rescue operation is underway.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) stated that the helicopter “was conducting an air medical evacuation,” and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
The incident occurs weeks after the killing of Maalim Ayman, a senior leader of al-Shabaab, in a joint military operation between Somali and US forces on December 17. Ayman was reportedly responsible for planning multiple terrorist attacks in Somalia and neighboring countries.
The situation is ongoing, and further updates will follow as the story develops.
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