By Editorial,
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has denied claims that the helicopter that crashed in Somalia was overloaded or brought down by al-Shabaab militants.
The Mi-24 combat helicopter, tail number AUO-015, crashed near Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu yesterday at around 7:30 a.m. while returning from a routine escort mission from Balidogle Airbase in the Lower Shabelle region.
At the time of the crash, the helicopter was carrying eight personnel of whom, five were killed on impact, while the pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer sustained severe injuries and burns.
Despite widespread social media claims suggesting the aircraft was overloaded or targeted by al-Shabaab, the UPDF has dismissed both allegations, with Gen. Felix Kulaigye, the UPDF spokesperson, clarifying that the helicopter’s passenger count was within allowable limits. Gen. Kulaigye speaking…….
Regarding the identities of the fallen soldiers, Gen. Kulaigye said the UPDF would release their names only after the families have been formally notified. END