Somali Forces Are Continuing To Search For Passengers Of Captured UN Helicopter

Daud Aweis, Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, told CNN on Thursday that Somali national forces are still looking for passengers in the area where al-Shabaab rebels captured a UN helicopter.

Aweis stated that they had been hunting for the passengers since Wednesday night.

“They are doing a search in a very practical way because they have to engage the local people in the area to get information and gather intelligence to find where they are and so they can be quickly rescued,” he said, adding that the Somali government was still waiting for an update on the search.

According to Aweis, the helicopter was carrying eight people when al-Shabaab fighters took control of it in the Galmugud district, including two foreigners and one native. He was unable to confirm whether someone had died or escaped but stated that  forces were looking for all eight victims.

Somali Forces Are Continuing To Search For Passengers Of Captured UN Helicopter

According to the state-run Somali National News Agency (SONNA), the UN emergency assistance chopper made an emergency landing in Galmudug, which an al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group holds.

The UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) stated that the helicopter “was conducting an air medical evacuation” and that more information would be given when it became available.

The operator of the UN-contracted chopper told CNN that it was “aware” of the event but declined to provide further information.

The chopper was staffed by an Iqarus team, which offers medical assistance in crisis zones worldwide.

“We are collaborating with our counterparts in Somalia, and reaction actions are underway. We do not want to jeopardize any efforts to address this matter by discussing further at this time,” the Dubai-based company told CNN in a statement.

The event comes only weeks after Maalim Ayman, a top leader of the al-Shabaab militant group operating in Somalia and Kenya, was killed on December 17 in a joint military operation involving Somali and US forces.

Somali Forces Are Continuing To Search For Passengers Of Captured UN Helicopter

Aweis announced Hyman’s death on Friday.

“Ayman was responsible for planning numerous lethal terrorist attacks in Somalia and neighboring countries,” Aweis stated on social media at the time.

Ayman is responsible for a terrorist attack on US and Kenyan forces at Kenya’s Manda Bay Airfield on January 5, 2020, according to US sources.

The Somali National Forces have been actively working to maintain security and stability within the country.

Somali Forces Are Continuing To Search For Passengers Of Captured UN Helicopter

They play a crucial role in combating various threats and ensuring the safety of the population. With ongoing training and support, these forces continue to strengthen their capabilities, contributing to the overall resilience of Somalia.

Their dedication and bravery are instrumental in safeguarding the nation’s interests and fostering a secure environment for all citizens.

SOURCE – (CNN)