Al-Shabaab has displayed a helicopter belonging to Burundian troops that recently departed the village of Hawadley in the Middle Shabelle region.
The plane, which was transporting Burundian troops stationed in Hawadley, reportedly developed a technical fault, forcing it to make an emergency landing near Al-Shabaab-controlled territory.
The soldiers on board the plane and the captain fled the scene after the plane landed safely, allowing Al-Shabaab fighters to easily take it over.
This is the first aircraft that has not been seriously damaged by Al-Shabaab, and it is uncertain whether Burundian troops will be able to recapture it.
Al-Shabaab currently controls most of the Middle Shabelle region, and is based near Jowhar district, the capital of Hirshabelle state.
The Hirshabelle administration, which has been considered an administration since its establishment that has not been able to govern its territory or defend itself from Al-Shabaab, relies on the Federal Government of Somalia.
However, there are conflicting reports about the plane crash in the Hawadley area. Al-Shabaab claimed to have shot it down, while the AUSSOM mission said the plane had a technical fault and landed in an area controlled by Al-Shabaab.
