A passenger aircraft in Somalia was forced to make an emergency landing in the Indian Ocean shortly after takeoff from the capital Mogadishu, following a reported mechanical failure, according to official statements and international media reports.

The Fokker 50 aircraft, operated by Somali airline StarSky, had departed from Aden Adde International Airport when it encountered technical problems minutes into the flight. As the crew attempted to return to the airport, the aircraft was compelled to make an emergency landing off the coast in the Indian Ocean.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed the incident, stating that one of the aircraft’s wings was damaged during the emergency landing. Rescue and emergency response teams, including units from AUSSOM and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

All passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the aircraft, and no fatalities were reported. Some international media outlets noted that dozens of people were on board at the time of the incident, underscoring the seriousness of the emergency and the effectiveness of the response operation.

The incident has drawn attention in the international press, highlighting ongoing concerns over aviation safety in regions affected by prolonged instability. Somali authorities have announced that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure.

Despite the severity of the situation, officials emphasized that the successful evacuation prevented a potential tragedy, describing the outcome as a relief amid challenging circumstances. (ILKHA)