The helicopter landed in territory controlled by the group in central Somalia. Some reports say that the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing while others are saying the helicopter had landed in the area by mistake.

Al-Shabab controls parts of southern and central Somalia. The group is affiliated with al-Qaeda and has been waging a war of insurgency for the last 20 years against the internationally recognized Somali government.

The seizure of the helicopter was confirmed to international media by the Galmudug region Minister of Security, Mohamed Abdi Adan.

According to Somali military official Major Hassan Ali, there were two locals and several foreigners aboard. He stated that the purpose of the helicopter was “carrying medical supplies and it was supposed to transport injured soldiers from the Galmudag region”.

The Somali government has in recent months stepped up its offensive against al-Shabab and the helicopter was meant to land in Willis town which is near where the current offensive is taking place.

The UN has not issued any public statements about what had happened.