Al-Shabaab Claims Downing of AU Peacekeepers' Helicopter in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants published purported photos of a helicopter used by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which was reportedly brought down, Monday in Somalia.

Using their propaganda media sites, the militants published the photos of the helicopter, but the registration number is not shown clearly, although both interior and exterior sections resemble the aircraft alleged to have been brought down.

The helicopter, which is attached to the United Nations, is used by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia to airlift troops, supplies, and evacuees. Two days ago, it was sighted at the flooded Forward Operating Base manned by Burundian troops.

Both the African Union and Al-Shabaab issued conflicting reports about the incident, with the AU maintaining that the Burundian soldiers were not attacked, adding that they were evacuated from Xawaadley village due to floods.

The African Union further reiterated that the aircraft was not targeted by Al-Shabaab, arguing that it had developed a mechanical system failure which was later fixed before the troops took off safely from the flooded village, north of Mogadishu.

During the evacuation on Monday, one of the helicopters experienced a technical malfunction. However, despite this challenge, the pilots skilfully manoeuvred the aircraft to land safely," read the statement published on Tuesday.

"All troops and crew have been successfully evacuated to the nearest military base, and no casualties have been reported," added the statement released moments after Al-Shabaab claimed to have forced Burundian troops to retreat.

The US Africa Command was not involved in the incident, but the Burundian soldiers are part of the AUSSOM team serving in the country. Somalia has been fighting to defeat the militants for the last two decades.

GAROWE ONLINE