UAE expresses solidarity with Uganda, African Union mission in Somalia over helicopter crash

The UAE has expressed its solidarity with Uganda and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) over a helicopter crash in Mogadishu on Wednesday.

A Ugandan military helicopter deployed with the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia crashed at Mogadishu airport, killing five passengers, a Ugandan military spokesperson said.

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Another three of the helicopter's eight occupants survived the incident but with severe injuries and burns, said the spokesperson, Felix Kulayigye.

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The impact of the crash had caused munitions on board to detonate, destroying nearby structures and injuring three civilians, he said.

In a statement issued by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the nation has conveyed its sincere condolences following the crash.

It also extended its condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Uganda over this tragedy, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Yasmin Hussein

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yasminabdel@khaleejtimes.com

Yasmin Hussein is an Assistant Digital Editor who believes that every news story carries a human element. Her motto is 'get it first, but first get it right'.