Source claims that a United Nations helicopter seized in Somalia was struck by an unknown object

According to a UN source, a helicopter belonging to the United Nations crash-landed in a region controlled by armed Islamists in Somalia. The main rotor blade of the helicopter was hit by an object, leading to the crash-landing. It is believed that al-Shabab fighters took control of the helicopter, and there are unverified reports that a passenger was shot dead. Six people on board are currently being held by the militants, while two managed to escape. The helicopter was on a medical mission near a village when the incident occurred. The UN mission in Somalia confirmed the "aviation incident" but did not mention al-Shabab. Efforts are underway to respond to the situation. The individuals on board the helicopter included one Somali and eight foreigners from various parts of Africa and Europe. The fate of those who escaped is uncertain. All nine individuals, including the crew, were third-party contractors and not UN staff. Some of them were medics. The helicopter was en route to Wisil town, near the frontlines of a government offensive against al-Shabab, when it crash-landed after being struck by an unknown object. A Somali military official stated that the aircraft was carrying medical supplies and was supposed to transport injured soldiers. Al-Shabab controls significant portions of southern and central Somalia and is affiliated with al-Qaeda. The World Food Programme (WFP) clarified that the helicopter was not a WFP or UN Humanitarian Air Service craft, and no WFP personnel were on board. As a precaution, WFP flights in the area have been temporarily suspended. The Somali government has recently ramped up its efforts against the al-Qaeda-linked group.