MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – A United Nations-contracted helicopter made an emergency landing in Hiindhere, a town in central Somalia’s Galgadud region on Monday, resulting the terror group to seize it.
The area is under the control of the militant group Al-Shabaab.
The aircraft reportedly experienced a technical malfunction while flying from Baladweyne in Hiiraan region to Wisil in Mudug.
Security sources said that upon landing, Al-Shabaab fighters captured the helicopter along with its crew and cargo.
As of now, no official statements have been released by the United Nations, the Somali federal government, or Al-Shabaab regarding the incident.
This latest event echoes a similar case in January 2024, when another UN-chartered helicopter was seized by Al-Shabaab after an emergency landing in the same area.
That previous incident involved medical personnel and supplies, underscoring persistent security risks for UN operations in regions with limited government presence.