In Somalia, rebels seize UN helicopter with crew and passengers

In Somalia, members of the Islamist group al-Shabab have hijacked a United Nations helicopter with several foreigners on board, a local military official told Reuters. Galmudug regional security minister Mohamed Abdi Adan confirmed the hijacking to BBC News.

The UN helicopter took off from the town of Belet Weyne in central Somalia and was heading to the town of Wisil, located near the line of contact between government forces and al-Shabaab. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft made an emergency landing due to a malfunction in an area controlled by the group.

The helicopter was carrying medical supplies and was supposed to pick up wounded soldiers from Galmudug. There were two Somalis and several foreigners on board, Reuters reported.

A UN source told Reuters that the helicopter belonged to the Somalia Assistance Mission and that its crew included five foreigners. Two other UN sources told Reuters that there were nine passengers on board. BBC News reported that there were eight people on board: crew members and passengers. Their fate is unknown.

The UN has not yet commented on reports of the helicopter hijacking.

• The Islamist group al-Shabaab controls much of southern and central Somalia, but also operates against neighboring countries, including Kenya.
• From 2007 to 2012, al-Shabaab militants carried out more than 500 terrorist attacks. In 2012, the group joined al-Qaeda. In December 2015, about 200 militants pledged allegiance to the Islamic State .
• Al-Shabaab militants often attack hotels where foreigners, including representatives of international organizations, stay.