The militant group of Al-shabab on Wednesday displayed a helicopter belonging to Burundian troops that recently withdrew from Hawaadley settlement in Middle Shabelle province.
The helicopter was ferrying Burundian soldiers stationed in Hawaadley and is reported that it experienced mechanical problem which compelled the pilot to make an emergency landing in an area that is close to Al-Shabab’s stronghold.
The soldiers who were on board on the helicopter and the pilot escaped from the area after the plane safely landed.
Later Al-Shabab fighters seized the helicopter. The helicopter is the first that falls in the hands of the militant group of Al-shabab. We cannot ensure if the Burundian troops will seize the helicopter again.
Most areas in Middle Shabelle provinces are in the hands of the militant group of Al-Shabab. The group is based in areas close to Jowhar, the administrative seat of Hirshabelle.
Al-Shabab claimed that they downed the helicopter but AUSSOM reported that the helicopter made an emergency landing to an area under Al-Shabab’s control after it experienced mechanical problem.
