At least three dead as military helicopter crashes in Somalia

In Mogadishu, Somalia, on July 2, 2025, a military helicopter operating under the African Union peacekeeping mission crashed at Aden Adde Airport. The helicopter was returning from Balli-doogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region and had eight personnel on board at the time of the incident. Witnesses reported that the helicopter made a sudden descent before crashing, causing a significant explosion and resulting in heavy smoke and flames. Local authorities reported that at least three people are confirmed dead from the incident, while investigations are already ongoing to assess the situation further. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority is looking into the full extent of casualties and damage, emphasizing their commitment to determining what led to the crash. The African Union peacekeeping mission, known as AUSSOM, is primarily focused on assisting Somali authorities to combat the extremist group al-Shabab, which actively opposes the presence of foreign troops in Somalia. Troops participating in this mission come from various countries, including Uganda and Kenya, which adds to the complexity and challenges faced by the international forces in the region. Following the crash, minor delays occurred at the airport; however, normal operations resumed shortly after the emergency was addressed. Authorities are still working to extinguish any remaining fires from the crash, and the situation is developing as further updates are anticipated from the Somali National News Agency and other official sources.