Mogadishu: An African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) helicopter operated by the Ugandan military crashed early Wednesday at Mogadishu's international airport, resulting in the deaths of five out of the eight personnel on board, as confirmed by the Ugandan army.

According to Anadolu Agency, the crash happened approximately 200 meters east of the North Ramp at Mogadishu International Airport. The helicopter was on a routine combat escort mission when the incident occurred. A civil aviation official in Mogadishu, who asked to remain anonymous due to media restrictions, stated that the helicopter was attempting to land at Aden Adde Airport after departing from Balidoogle airfield, a base for US and Somali special forces.

The official noted that rescue workers and firefighters quickly responded to the scene, managing to contain the fire from the crash. Halima Ahmed, a resident of Mogadishu's Wabari district, reported seeing thick smoke emanating from the airport on Wednesday.

The crash led to several flight delays; however, normal airport operations have since resumed. The Ugandan army reported that the explosion of munitions on board, caused by the crash, injured three civilians and damaged nearby infrastructure. The seriously injured pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer, along with the civilians, were evacuated to the AUSSOM Sector 1 Level II Hospital for treatment.

A joint emergency team comprised of airport and UN firefighters, alongside AUSSOM explosive ordnance disposal personnel, supported the rescue operations. An official investigation into the cause of the crash is currently in progress.