A helicopter belonging to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) was hijacked by al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab, which has been wreaking violence in eastern Africa for years.
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Al Jazeera reported this today, January 10.
It is noted that the incident occurred in group-controlled territory near the village of Gadun in the Galgadud region – the helicopter landed there due to a technical malfunction.
There were nine passengers on board the helicopter, including military personnel and an outside contractor. At least six passengers were captured by al-Shabab.
As a result, all UN flights in the region were temporarily suspended.
According to Reuters, the helicopter encountered a malfunction shortly after taking off from the town of Beledweyne in central Somalia.
There were two Somalis and several foreigners on board. He was also transporting medicine and had to transport wounded soldiers from Galgudud,” Major Hassan Ali told the agency in a commentary.
Al-Shabab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government since 2006, attempting to establish rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.
The group currently controls large areas in southern and central Somalia.
Source: Al Jazeera, Reuters
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.