The Somali government is working hard to rescue the passengers who were on board a United Nations helicopter that was captured by the Al-Shabaab group.
The Minister of Communications of Somalia, Daoud Aweys, told the Reuters news agency, although the military officials said that it is difficult to reach the place where the workers were taken.
This helicopter took off from the city of Beledweyne and landed near Gadoon in the Galgaduud region due to a technical problem, according to a statement from the United Nations.
“The government has been conducting efforts to rescue the crew of the plane since yesterday when the accident happened, and the efforts are still ongoing,” said Minister of Information Daud Aweis who spoke to the Reuters news agency.
He did not provide any other details. The plane was carrying 9 passengers, including military personnel and a contractor.
At least six of the passengers were said to have been captured by Al-Shabaab.
Colonel Abdullahi Isse, who is in the city of Adado, which is about 100 km north of the Khindere area and is close to the place where the plane landed, told Reuters that the forces in the area are not planning to go to the rescue.
“No army has gone to rescue them. I don’t believe they will escape. The area has been controlled by Al-Shabaab for more than 10 years, even the people who live there are supporters of Al-Shabaab,” said the official.
A United Nations briefing said response efforts are underway. Flights to the area were also suspended.
