On March 9th, 2024, a Lockheed L-100 Hercules cargo plane carrying vital supplies for the African Union troops stationed in Somalia veered off the runway while attempting to land at Jowhar airstrip, which is a small domestic facility located about 90 kilometers north of the capital city of Mogadishu.
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The incident occurred amidst ongoing security concerns in the region, with the extremist group Al-Shabaab, which is linked to al-Qaeda, causing unrest in the country. The African Union troops have been deployed to Somalia to assist the federal government in its fight against the group.
Despite the cause of the incident still being under investigation, it is believed that unfavorable weather conditions, mechanical issues, or pilot error could have been contributing factors. Details concerning the extent of damage caused to the aircraft are still scarce at this point, and it is unclear whether the supplies onboard were affected.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Somalia has had a history of air accidents in the past, which have been attributed to a combination of factors such as the use of aging aircraft, poorly maintained infrastructure, and challenging weather conditions. The incident at the Jowhar airstrip serves as a reminder of the risks involved in air transport operations in such areas. It highlights the need for continued safety measures and protocols to prevent future accidents.