UN helicopter landed in Islamist area in Somalia – feared hostage taking The Republicans’ biggest Trump critic drops out of the presidential race

A UN helicopter landed on Wednesday in a village in central Somalia controlled by the radical Islamic terrorist militia Al-Shabaab. It initially remained unclear whether it was an emergency landing or whether the helicopter had been shot at. “Initial reports indicate that Al-Shabaab fighters have taken some hostages and seized the equipment on board the helicopter,” a police spokesman from the Hiran region told the German news agency. There were reportedly eight people on board the helicopter, including six foreigners. The helicopter was said to be loaded with medical supplies and military equipment.

Upon request, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed an incident involving a UN-rented helicopter in Somalia. Attempts were made to resolve the situation. In the interest of the safety of everyone on board, he does not want to say anything more at this time.

Al-Shabaab has been active in Somalia for more than fifteen years and, despite a counter-offensive, continues to control parts of the country in the Horn of Africa. The Islamists rule there with a strict interpretation of sharia, with punishments such as executions, amputations and flogging. The group kills civilians through bombings and deliberately has officials, journalists and critics murdered. (sda/dpa)