Kenya Air Force helicopter crash results in loss of lives

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – The Kenya Air Force on Tuesday announced the deaths of an unspecified number of soldiers and crew of a Huey Helicopter that crashed during a night patrol mission in Lamu County along the northern coast on Monday, resulting in the loss of lives.

According to an official statement released by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the tragic accident occurred while the soldiers were patrolling Boni Forest in Lamu, which is notorious for being a hideout for the Somali-based al-Shabaab terror group.

"The crew and other military personnel onboard were part of an air surveillance squadron intensifying day and night patrols and surveillance for the ongoing Operation Amani Boni," the KDF said.

"The leadership and entire KDF fraternity condole with the families of the crew," the statement added.

The Kenyan military has announced the formation of an inquiry board and sent investigators to the crash site to determine the cause of the incident.

Al-Shabaab terrorists have a notorious reputation in the region for their acts of terrorism and violence, and Boni Forest has been associated with their activities, making it a source of concern for Kenyan security forces and authorities.

The military stated that more information will be released once all of the deceased's families have been notified.