Al-Shabab militants capture UN helicopter and its passengers in the Somalia conflict

According to local sources, the extremist organization al-Shabab has reportedly taken possession of a helicopter belonging to the United Nations. The incident occurred in central Somalia, an area controlled by the group. There are conflicting reports regarding the circumstances of the landing. Some sources claim that the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing, while others suggest it was a mistake. Al-Shabab is notorious for its control over significant portions of southern and central Somalia and its affiliation with al-Qaeda. The seizure of the UN helicopter was confirmed by Mohamed Abdi Adan, the Security Minister of the Galmudug region. The helicopter was en route to Wisil town, near the frontlines of a government offensive against al-Shabab when it landed. In recent months, the Somali government has intensified its efforts to combat the al-Qaeda-linked group. As of now, the UN has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.