Sri Lanka refutes claims of air force personnel captured by militants in Somalia

Image

COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka's Defense Ministry on Saturday denied reports that several Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) personnel were captured by militants in Somalia.

In a statement, the ministry said a helicopter of SLAF, carrying out UN peacekeeping duties in the Central African Republic, crash-landed on Friday due to a rotor brownout resulting from extreme dusty and sand conditions.

The crew and cargo are safe, the ministry said, adding that they are not involved in any operations in Somalia.

The ministry urged the public not to be misled by false information.

Related Articles

Pakistan says ‘things moving in right direction’ to end US-Iran war

The visit comes as China and Pakistan mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year.

  • World

    25-05-2026

  • 10:53AM

Netanyahu held secret meeting with Emirati president in UAE during Iran war, PM's office says

It has ​pursued an assertive ⁠foreign policy and carved its own sphere of influence across the Middle East and Africa.

  • World

    13-05-2026

  • 06:20PM