UN helicopter lands in Al-Shabaab controlled territory in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A United Nations (UN) chopper landed in Al-Shabaab territory on Wednesday, reports have emerged, in an incident that could trigger security concerns in Somalia, at the time several peacekeepers are leaving in compliance with the Somali Transition Plan (STP).

The helicopter landed "accidentally" after developing a technical glitch near Haradhere town within the Galgaduud region, multiple sources who sought anonymity, said. The town was recently liberated from the Al-Shabaab, but most sections are still under the Al-Qaida-linked group.

According to reports, the helicopter was carrying weapons to an unknown destination. It is not clear who was to be the recipient of the weapons but in most cases, the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops depend on UN choppers for supplies.

The helicopter was captured with at least 9 UN workers on board, sources said. The al-Shabaab militants, who usually use the media to communicate, have yet to issue a formal statement about the reports.

“All UN flights have been temporarily suspended in the vicinity until further notice,” part of the memo seen by Al-Jazeera read.

Other details, including the nationality of those on board, remain unclear. The Somali government is also yet to comment on the reports. Two workers who were on board managed to escape but the rest are still detained by Al-Shabaab.

The incident comes at the time Somalia has activated serious operations against the group in central regions, with at least 3,000 militants reported dead in the last 15 months. The second phase of operations against the group is set to start in Jubaland and Southwest states soon, President Hassan Sheikh revealed.

Recently, Somalia successfully argued against an arms embargo at the UN Security Council and had the restrictions lifted. The move allows the country to procure modern weapons, which can be used to challenge Al-Shabaab militants.

With restrictions on Al-Shabaab's sources of revenue, the group could be struggling to purchase weapons, which are normally shipped from abroad. However, Al-Shabaab runs a $120 million budget annually with $24 million going to purchase weapons.

On Wednesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Defence Headquarters to check on the progress of ground operations against Al-Shabaab. The country anticipates that by the end of 2024, Somalia will be declared Al-Shabaab-free.

ATMIS has started the gradual withdrawal of soldiers from Somalia, with 5,000 soldiers leaving by the end of 2023. Details about the detained aircraft remain scanty.

Stay tuned to Garowe Online for more details once we receive them.

GAROWE ONLINE