Mogadishu helicopter crash AUSOM triggers emergency response as crash during landing at Aden Adde Airport leaves casualties and causes flight delays

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] Mogadishu helicopter crash AUSOM has disrupted operations at Somalia’s busiest airport after a peacekeeping chopper went down during landing on Wednesday.

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The helicopter, operated by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSOM), crashed while attempting to land at Aden Adde International Airport in the nation’s capital.

According to a civil aviation official who requested anonymity due to media restrictions, the helicopter had departed earlier from Balidoogle airfield, a known base for US and Somali special forces.

It was carrying eight personnel at the time of the incident.

“There are casualties, but I cannot confirm how many people have died or been injured,” the official said.

He added that rescue workers and firefighters swiftly responded to the scene and successfully contained the blaze resulting from the crash.

Local resident Halima Ahmed, who lives in the nearby Wabari district, told Anadolu Agency she witnessed thick smoke rising from the airport on Wednesday afternoon.

“I was alarmed when I saw the smoke from a distance. We later heard that it was a military helicopter,” she said by phone.

Although several incoming and outgoing flights were delayed due to the incident, airport authorities have since resumed operations.

However, heightened security remained in place for several hours following the crash, with emergency teams securing the area and assessing any remaining risks.

This crash marks one of the most serious aviation incidents involving AUSOM forces in recent years.

AUSOM, tasked with stabilisation and peace enforcement in Somalia, frequently deploys helicopters for transport and tactical operations across various regions of the country.

The use of aircraft has become critical to peacekeeping missions due to Somalia’s challenging terrain and persistent security threats.

Aviation analysts suggest the helicopter may have experienced mechanical failure during descent, although no official cause has yet been announced.

Experts from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority and AUSOM are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

The presence of foreign troops and personnel at both Balidoogle and Aden Adde airports underscores the strategic importance of these facilities.

The Balidoogle airfield is known to host joint operations between Somali forces and their international partners, including US special operations units, who have been instrumental in training and supporting counterterrorism missions.

Wednesday’s incident also reignites concerns around aviation safety protocols in conflict zones. Somalia’s airspace has long faced challenges due to infrastructure limitations, threats from insurgent groups, and limited ground-based radar coverage.

However, with international collaboration and increased investment, improvements in air traffic management have been ongoing.

While the identities of the eight AUSOM personnel on board have not yet been released, officials stated that next of kin would be notified before any names are made public. AUSOM has not issued a formal statement at the time of writing.

The African Union mission continues to play a critical role in Somalia’s journey toward stability.

Despite the setback, analysts say the crash is unlikely to affect overall operations in the region.

Security analysts believe the quick containment of the crash site and minimal disruption to airport functions reflect progress in Somalia’s emergency preparedness and coordination.

As Mogadishu helicopter crash AUSOM investigations continue, questions remain about aircraft maintenance standards, mission protocols, and emergency landing preparedness.

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The aviation community is watching closely for official findings that could influence future safety recommendations for peacekeeping missions operating in similarly volatile environments.