Militants in Somalia seize UN helicopter carrying four Ukrainian nationals

According to Ukraine’s foreign ministry, four Ukrainians were among the individuals on board a United Nations helicopter that was seized by al-Shabab militants in central Somalia.

The helicopter, which was conducting a medical evacuation, was forced to land near Hindhere village, an area controlled by the Islamist group, due to a technical problem.

The Ukrainian spokesperson confirmed that the individuals were members of the helicopter crew of the UN Mission in Somalia and that their identities have been established. The aircraft belonged to a private Ukrainian company contracted to the United Nations, and the government is coordinating actions with the company.

Security sources also mentioned that nationals from Egypt, Uganda, and Somalia were on board, and efforts are being made to rescue the hostages.

The situation is challenging due to the area being under the control of al-Shabab for over a decade. An internal U.N. memo revealed that one person was allegedly killed, six were taken hostage, and two individuals fled with unknown whereabouts.

All U.N. flights in the region have been suspended until further notice. Additionally, a U.N. guard was killed in a mortar attack near the Aden Adde International Airport, where the U.N. compound is located.

Al-Shabab, the militant group responsible, has been fighting against the government since 2006 to establish their own rule based on their interpretation of Islamic law.

Reuters