On July 2, 2025, a Ugandan military helicopter participating in the African Union's peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) crashed at Mogadishu International Airport. According to Ugandan military spokesman Felix Kulayigye, five passengers died in the accident. Three of the eight passengers survived but sustained serious injuries and burns. Additionally, three civilians were injured due to the detonation of munitions onboard.
The helicopter was engulfed in flames after the crash, stated Somalia's state news agency SONNA. Airport employee Farah Abdulle reported that smoke and flames were visible from a distance above the helicopter, which was completely shrouded in smoke.
The African Union Mission in Support of Stability in Somalia confirmed the helicopter made an emergency landing before crashing, after which search and rescue operations began. Efforts to recover the crew and remaining passengers from the crash site are currently ongoing.
The Ugandan military helicopter that was participating in the peacekeeping mission in Somalia crashed at Mogadishu Airport. Five people died, three suffered serious injuries and burns. Due to the detonation of munitions onboard, three civilians were also injured. Currently, search and rescue operations are in progress.