Somali Militants Seize UN Helicopter

Somali militants affiliated with al-Qaeda have seized a UN helicopter after it made an emergency landing in territory controlled by the group A Somali military official, Major Hassan Ali, said that the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing near the village of Galgodud, in the Galgadud region, due to a technical problem.

Ali said that two Somali nationals and at least five foreigners were on board the helicopter. The helicopter was carrying medical supplies and was on its way to evacuate wounded soldiers from the Galgadud region.

The United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has confirmed the incident and said that it is gathering information.

The seizure of the UN helicopter is a major setback for the United Nations, which has been working to stabilize Somalia. The incident is also a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by al-Qaeda-linked militants in the region.