UN Photo/Sourav Sarker. United Nations helicopter docked at Mogadishu airport, Somalia. (Data map)
There are reports that a United Nations helicopter was hijacked today by Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia. UN Secretary-General's spokesman Dujarric confirmed to reporters on the same day that there had been a security incident involving UN helicopters in Somalia, but he did not provide further details out of concern for the safety of the people on board.
According to international media reports, the helicopter was hijacked after an emergency landing in an area controlled by Al-Shabaab.
Speaking at a regular press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the same day, Dujarric said: "I can confirm that there was an incident involving a United Nations helicopter in Jamudug, Somalia, today. ”
He noted that the United Nations was concerned about the safety of those on board. "We are taking action in response, but I think everyone understands that it is not appropriate for us to give more details at this time for the safety of everyone involved," he said. Our primary concern is their safety, so that's all we can say at the moment. ”
