Al-Shabaab militants seized a United Nations helicopter when it made an emergency landing in an area controlled by the Islamist group. There were two Somalis and several foreigners on board.
Major Hassan Ali said that shortly after taking off from Beledweyne in central Somalia, the aircraft malfunctioned and landed near the village of Hinder, which borders the Galgudud region.
There were two Somalis and several foreigners on board. It was also carrying medical supplies and was supposed to transport wounded soldiers from the Galgudud region,” he said.
At the same time, an anonymous UN official said that the plane belonged to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, and the crew included five foreigners.
According to the publication, there were nine passengers on board the plane.
The situation in Somalia
The country has been experiencing a critical food situation for several years now, with more than 43,000 people killed in the worst drought in a decade.
The UN and other donors are systematically helping Somalia. Thus, the UN budget for humanitarian aid to Somalia is 72 million euros (77 million dollars), of which 10 million euros (10.68 million dollars) are earmarked for WFP.
