Somalia officials contradict on rescue for UN helicopter and 9 staff taken hostage by Al-Shabaab

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Somalia officials contradict on rescue for UN helicopter and 9 staff taken hostage by Al-Shabaab

CADAADO (HORN OBSERVER) - Contradictory information emerges regarding the ongoing rescue efforts for a UN helicopter and nine staff abducted by Al-Shabaab in central Somalia.

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CADAADO (HORN OBSERVER) - Contradictory information emerges regarding the ongoing rescue efforts for a UN helicopter and nine staff abducted by Al-Shabaab in central Somalia.

Somalia's Information Minister, Daud Aweis, informed Reuters that rescue operations are underway, stating, "The government has been undertaking efforts to rescue the crew since yesterday when the accident happened, and efforts still go on."

However, no additional details were provided.

In contrast, local officials in Cadaado and Wisil dispute the claim of ongoing rescue efforts, asserting that no military intervention has been initiated.

Ahmed Mohamud, the Galmudug security officer for the area, expressed skepticism, stating, "There was no rescue operation conducted. It seems we can do nothing."

Colonel Abdullahi Isse, based in the town of Adado, revealed that troops in the region have no plans for a rescue mission. He emphasized the long-standing control of the area by Al-Shabaab, saying, "No forces have gone to rescue them. I don’t believe they will escape."

UN on its side last night that "the UN is in the process of gathering all relevant information. Response efforts are underway. More information will be shared when it becomes available."

Local residents reported on Thursday that Al-Shabaab seized control of the helicopter and its supplies, including ammunition and medical resources.

The nine staff, comprising two Somalis, were taken hostage by the terror group.

A district official in Cadaado town raised the grim possibility that some captured individuals may have been killed by militants, speculating that the helicopter was torched upon seizure.

The situation remains fluid as conflicting accounts emerge.