This week, the Somalia-based terrorist group Al-Shabaab claimed it was responsible for shooting down a Burundian Army Bell 412 helicopter—tail number AUO‑012—near its own base in Middle Shabelle. The helicopter was part of the African Union’s AUSSOM mission and was evacuating Burundian peacekeepers when it made an emergency landing after suffering a technical fault, not due to enemy fire.
According to AUSSOM, the aircraft encountered mechanics issues, forcing it to land in territory controlled by Al-Shabaab. All occupants—including the pilot and soldiers—were safely evacuated and transported to a nearby military base. However, Al-Shabaab militants seized the aircraft wreckage, later releasing images and claiming they had shot it down—directly contradicting AUSSOM’s official statement.
Kareem Adebayo, the AU’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, praised the swift and professional actions of the Burundian troops in managing the situation. He reaffirmed the African Union’s continued support to Somalia, which is struggling with severe flooding and persistent Al-Shabaab threats.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern: last year, Al-Shabaab also captured a UN helicopter under similar circumstances, highlighting the persistent danger to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Somali airspace.
