Xaaji Xunjuf Posted January 10 Al-Shabab captures UN helicopter with 6 aid workers in central Somalia Al-Shabab captures UN helicopter with 6 aid workers in central Somalia This is a breaking news story, more details to follow. (Al Jazeera) Published On 10 Jan 202410 Jan 2024 A helicopter belonging to the United Nations mission in Somalia has been captured by al-Shabab after accidentally landing on Wednesday afternoon in territory held by the armed group, according to multiple local reports. At least six aid workers who were on the plane are now being held by the al-Qaeda-linked armed group which has wreaked violence in the Horn of Africa for decades. KEEP READING UN Security Council to vote to end Somalia arms embargo after three decades Suicide attack on tea shop in Somalia capital kills at least seven Somali PM: Nearly 20 years of fighting al-Shabab Somalia bans TikTok and Telegram over ‘horrific’ content, misinformation end of list The helicopter landed close to Gadoon village in the Galgaduud region due to a technical glitch, according to a UN memo seen by Al Jazeera. A UN official in Mogadishu also confirmed the incident to Al Jazeera. According to the memo, there were nine passengers on the plane including military personnel and a third-party contractor. Six of them were reportedly taken by the group while 2 passengers escaped and remain at large. “All UN flights have been temporarily suspended in the vicinity until further notice,” part of the memo read. Other details including the nationality of those on board, remain unclear. The Somali government is also yet to comment on the reports. More to come. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
