Reports from inside Aden Adde Airport in Mogadishu indicate that a civilian plane has crashed at the airport after experiencing a technical problem shortly after taking off.
The director of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Macalin, told the BBC that the plane had taken off from Aden Abdulle Airport and was heading to the city of Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region.
Ahmed Macalin added that the pilots of the plane quickly reported a technical problem, which led them to decide to return to Mogadishu airport.
The plane, while attempting to land on the runway, skidded off the runway and then crashed into the sea near the airport, causing great fear and concern.
Initial reports indicate that up to 50 passengers were on board, and an emergency rescue operation was immediately launched to rescue the passengers and crew.
Airport officials and security agencies have confirmed that all passengers are safe, while their medical conditions are being confirmed, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the technical failure and the plane crash.
We will update you with more details later.
