UN Helicopter with foreigners seized by Al Shabaab in Somalia

Al Shabaab militants have seized control of a United Nations helicopter after it made an emergency landing in their territory, according to a military official on Wednesday.

The helicopter developed a defect shortly after departing from Beledweyne city in central Somalia, as reported by Major Hassan Ali. It landed near Hindhere village, which borders the Galguduud region as reported by Reuters.

Onboard the helicopter were two Somali individuals and several foreigners, along with medical supplies. Its mission was to transport injured soldiers from the Galguduud region.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) confirmed the incident, stating that a UN-contracted helicopter was involved in an air medical evaluation. They are currently collecting information and initiating response efforts.

An anonymous UN worker mentioned that the helicopter crew included five foreigners.

Two UN sources informed Reuters that the helicopter carried a total of nine passengers.

Al Shabaab, affiliated with al Qaeda, has been fighting an insurgency against the Somali government since 2006, aiming to establish its strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.

While the government has made progress in some areas, the group still controls significant portions of southern and central Somalia, continuing to target civilians and military installations. There has been no immediate response from the Somali government regarding this incident.

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