A military helicopter crashed at the airport in the Somali capital - Mogadishu, reports the agency „Reuters“, reports News.bg.
The machine was engulfed in flames.
„We heard the explosion and saw smoke and flames above the helicopter. The smoke completely covered the machine. It is not clear whether the helicopter was landing or taking off“, said an airport employee.
The helicopter, part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), was carrying eight people when it crashed during landing. The fire has now been brought under control.
It is not yet clear whether there are any deaths or injuries.
AUSSOM has over 11,000 personnel in Somalia, assisting local military forces in the fight against the Islamist group “Al Shabaab“.
This organization, an offshoot of “Al Qaeda“, has been fighting for nearly two decades to overthrow Somalia's internationally recognized government and establish rule based on a strict interpretation of Sharia law.