Al-Shabab has been waging an insurgency in Somalia for almost two decades. Image:AFP
UN chopper and passengers taken by al-Shabab during the battle in Somalia.
Eight persons, including passengers and crew, were taken hostage by the militant Islamist group al-Shabab in Somalia, local sources informed the reporter.
The helicopter touched down in the group’s encircled area in central Somalia.
There have been conflicting claims on the emergency landing; some claim it was an error.
Much of central and southern Somalia is under the hands of Al-Shabab.
With ties to al-Qaeda, the group has been carrying out a bloody struggle for almost two decades.
Mohamed Abdi Adan, the Security Minister for the Galmudug region, confirmed the capture of the chopper to the reporters.
According to Somali military officer Major Hassan Ali, the helicopter carried two locals and several foreigners.
“It was also carrying medical supplies and it was supposed to transport injured soldiers from Galgudud region,” according to reports.
When the chopper landed, it was its route to Wisil town, which is close to the front lines of a government force’s offensive against al-Shabab.
UN has not yet provided a statement. The Somali government has stepped up its efforts to combat the group associated with al-Qaeda in recent months.