Sri Lanka refutes claims of air force personnel captured by militants in Somalia

Image

COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka's Defense Ministry on Saturday denied reports that several Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) personnel were captured by militants in Somalia.

In a statement, the ministry said a helicopter of SLAF, carrying out UN peacekeeping duties in the Central African Republic, crash-landed on Friday due to a rotor brownout resulting from extreme dusty and sand conditions.

The crew and cargo are safe, the ministry said, adding that they are not involved in any operations in Somalia.

The ministry urged the public not to be misled by false information.

Related Articles

UK Prime Minister Condemns Trump’s Tax Threats Over Greenland Dispute

The Prime Minister’s office said Starmer told Trump directly that such threats were unacceptable and jeopardized alliance solidarity.

  • World

    19-01-2026

  • 09:40AM

STC leader al-Zubaidi fled Yemen to UAE via Somaliland, Saudi-led coalition says

In a statement, the coalition said al-Zubaidi abruptly disappeared ahead of the talks…

  • World

    08-01-2026

  • 06:37AM