SLAF chopper crash-landing in Somalia:

The Ministry of Defence yesterday refuted allegations that a group of Sri Lankans had been taken hostage by the Al-Shabaab militant group after a SLAF helicopter crash-landed in Somalia.

The MOD said in a media statement: “The SLAF MI 17 helicopter (SMH 4417) was on a routine cargo flight during a United Nations Peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic on January 12 crash-landed at Sam-Oundja during the landing phase due to rotor brownout (RWB) resulting from extreme dusty and sand conditions.

“At the time of the incident, five crew members and 1,200 kilos of cargo were on board. Two crew members sustained minor injuries.

“The Ministry of Defence further emphasized that the above five-member crew and the helicopter are safe within the Sri Lankan Contingent in the Central African Republic.

“The SLAF has appointed a panel of investigators to probe the crash of the helicopter and determine the precise cause and extent of the damage.

“The Ministry of Defence urges the public not to be misled by false information. Furthermore, media personnel are informed to reach out to the Ministry for any clarification.”