An African Union military helicopter crashed on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, tragically killing five of the eight personnel on board. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 AM local time during landing, prompted a swift emergency response and an immediate investigation by Somali and African Union authorities.

The Mi-24 helicopter, operated by the Ugandan contingent of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM, also known as ATMIS), was returning from a routine combat escort mission, having departed from Baledogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region.

Ugandan military officials confirmed the death toll, adding that the pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived the crash but sustained serious injuries and severe burns. They were transported to an AUSSOM Level II hospital for urgent medical attention. The impact of the crash reportedly caused munitions on board to detonate, resulting in significant damage to nearby structures and injuring three civilians on the ground.

Witnesses at the airport described a chaotic scene, with “a huge explosion and smoke everywhere” immediately after the helicopter went down. Emergency services quickly responded, containing the ensuing fire and initiating search and rescue operations.

Despite the severity of the crash, authorities confirmed that flight operations at Aden Adde International Airport resumed after minor delays, with the runway being cleared.

The African Union mission in Somalia plays a critical role in supporting Somali authorities in their ongoing battle against the al-Shabab extremist group. Investigations are now underway to determine the precise cause of the accident, casting a somber shadow over the peacekeeping efforts in the Horn of Africa nation.

By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com