MOGADISHU – The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed Friday that an unmanned military aircraft crashed in southern Somalia earlier this week in an area currently under al-Shabaab control.
According to AFRICOM’s statement, the MQ-1C drone went down around 12:40 AM local time on Tuesday in southern Somalia. While the exact location of the crash has not been disclosed, officials noted that the area is currently under the control of the militant group al-Shabaab.
Military officials have launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary assessments suggest the crash was not the result of hostile action or an attempt to shoot down the aircraft, according to AFRICOM.
The MQ-1C, also known as the Gray Eagle, is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system used by the US military for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
AFRICOM has maintained a military presence in Somalia as part of ongoing efforts to support the Somali government in its fight against al-Shabaab, an extremist group affiliated with al-Qaeda.
“An investigation is ongoing, although the crash does not appear to be the result of any attempt to shoot down the aircraft.”
Further details about the incident and recovery efforts were not immediately available as investigations continue.
HORSEED MEDIA
