At least five dead after AU helicopter crashes at airport in Somalia

At least three people were rescued by airport workers at the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Wednesday, after their helicopter crash-landed moments before touching down in the busy airport.

A statement released by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed that at the time of the crash, around 7:30 am local time, at least 8 passengers were on board.

The aircraft, officials said, was operated by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia contingent attached to the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). It was coming from Balidogle airbase. The AU says search and rescue missions are underway to retrieve the missing passengers.

Videos taken from the crash site show airport workers struggling to put out the fire as others carried the injured passengers away. The AU says search and rescue missions are underway to retrieve the missing passengers.

"An African Union helicopter operated by Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) crash-landed just before touching down at Aden Adde International Airport while en route from Balidogle airbase," read the statement.

"Three of the 8 passengers on board were immediately rescued and rushed to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) hospital for medical attention. Search and rescue efforts are underway to rescue the crew and passengers."

The UPDF contingent has been working with peacekeepers in Somalia for the last two decades and is credited with successes on the frontlines. The team has effectively reduced Al-Shabaab's progress in the Horn of Africa.

While the fate of the remaining passengers is not yet known, they are believed to be travelling to Mogadishu at the time of the incident. Balidogle airbase hosts US Africa Command, which works closely with AUSSOM on matters of security in Somalia.

Besides working with the peacekeepers, US Africa Command trains and equips the Somali National Army (SNA) elite contingent known as Danab Special Forces. It is not clear what the mission of those on board in Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE