Military Helicopter Crash Claims Eight Lives in Coastal Kenya
Tragedy struck in Kenya near the Somali border as a military helicopter crash resulted in the loss of at least eight lives, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the coastal county of Lamu, leaving authorities puzzled about the exact cause of the mishap. The region has a significant presence of Kenyan defense forces, actively engaged in deterring al-Qaida-affiliated extremists belonging to the al-Shabaab group, which is situated just across the border in Somalia.
The Department of Defense reported that the unfortunate incident took place during a night patrol by an Air Force helicopter. In response to the incident, a board of inquiry has been dispatched to the crash site for a comprehensive investigation.
Regrettably, all military personnel and crew aboard the helicopter lost their lives in the tragic accident, according to both defense and police officials. Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, these officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to provide statements to the press.
Kenyan troops have been actively involved in Somalia as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, aiding in the ongoing efforts to combat the al-Shabaab insurgency. These troops were initially deployed to Somalia in 2011, but there are now plans to gradually withdraw the multinational forces, with Somali troops taking on a more prominent role in ensuring their country’s security.
In recent months, al-Shabaab has escalated its attacks in Kenya, resulting in the loss of numerous lives in the border region. This surge in attacks is believed to be a response to the increased pressure faced by the extremist group from a Somali military offensive initiated last year.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the challenges and risks faced by military personnel while diligently working to safeguard their nations and neighboring regions.