Blast Hits Near UN Aid Helicopter In Burkina Faso

A UN chartered helicopter delivering food aid to the town of Solle in northwest Burkina Faso was reportedly caught in an explosion shortly after landing on Tuesday, injuring two people.

The aircraft, chartered by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), had just unloaded humanitarian supplies when the blast occurred nearby. One crew member and a Government partner were hurt and are now receiving medical treatment.

The helicopter sustained only minor damage and was moved to safety. Flights to Solle have been temporarily halted while authorities investigate the incident.

Critical operation
In conflict-affected areas of Burkina Faso, WFP’s humanitarian air operations are critical for delivering life-saving assistance to hard-to-reach communities most in need.

WFP aims to assist 315,000 of the most vulnerable people during the lean season from June to August, when families have exhausted their food stocks.

In a statement, WFP reaffirmed the agency’s “unwavering commitment to support populations in need and to reach the most remote communities with humanitarian assistance."