UN helicopter captured in Somalia, Ecuador violence condemned, new Human Rights Council president

The helicopter was captured after it was forced to make an emergency landing in an area controlled by the armed group, according to international media reports.

“I can confirm that there was an incident involving a UN-contracted helicopter that took place today in Galmudug in Somalia,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York at the regular daily briefing.

“Response efforts are underway, but I think you will all understand for the sake of the safety of all those involved we are not going to say anymore at this point,” he said, adding that “our primary concern is for their safety so we will leave it at that for now.”