(09 Nov 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – The United States has confirmed that one of its MQ-1C drones crashed in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia on November 5, 2024. The incident occurred in Farsooley, a village controlled by the militant group Al-Shabaab, approximately 130 km southwest of Mogadishu.
In a statement issued on Friday, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the crashed drone, also known as the “Grey Eagle,” belongs to the U.S. Army. The MQ-1C, valued at $21 million, is typically used for surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, AFRICOM noted that there is no evidence to suggest that the drone was shot down. The U.S. military’s statement indicated that further information would be released as the investigation progresses.
The incident has raised concerns, as the crash occurred in an area controlled by Al-Shabaab, a group that has been waging an insurgency in Somalia for over a decade. AFRICOM has assured the public that the matter is being looked into, but it emphasized that the aircraft’s loss did not appear to be the result of enemy action.
This event highlights the ongoing military operations in Somalia, where the U.S. has been supporting Somali forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The MQ-1C is one of the advanced drones used for intelligence gathering and surveillance missions in the region.
Halqabsi News
