By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Xinhua
Published on 2024-01-20 03:29:32
A cargo plane contracted by the United Nations crashed while landing on an airstrip in El-Barde, southwestern Somalia, on Thursday. The aircraft was transporting humanitarian supplies for the World Food Program when it veered off the runway in the South West State of Somalia. The UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) is working with the contracted airline company and federal and South West State authorities to investigate the incident. Initial reports indicate that there was one fatality and two people injured in the crash.
This incident comes on the heels of another UN-contracted helicopter accidentally landing in al-Shabab’s controlled territory in the Galmudug area in central Somalia on January 11. The helicopter was conducting an air medical evacuation in the region when the incident occurred. The UN mission in Somalia is investigating the incident, amid reports that the al-Shabab terrorist group is holding at least six UN workers hostage, while two others managed to escape.
The UN has been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid and support in Somalia, given the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. These incidents underscore the challenges and risks faced by humanitarian organizations and the UN in delivering aid in conflict zones.
The crash of the cargo plane and the accidental landing of the helicopter highlight the dangers and uncertainties faced by humanitarian workers and aid delivery operations in Somalia. It also emphasizes the need for increased security measures and protocols to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and the effective delivery of aid in conflict-affected areas.
The UN mission is working to address the aftermath of these incidents and to ensure the safety and security of its personnel and aid operations in Somalia. The investigation into both incidents will provide valuable insights and lessons for improving operational safety and security measures in the delivery of humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
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