MOGADISHU (SD) – The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said Sunday it has launched investigations into circumstances in which its helicopter crashed in southern Somalia on Friday.

The AU mission said the four soldiers were rescued when a helicopter on a mission to support its troops in Lower Shabelle region crashed soon after take-off in Balidogle on Feb. 5.

“All four soldiers aboard the helicopter were rescued and are in a stable medical condition. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash,” the statement reads in part.

According to the statement, the preliminary reports indicate that it was due to a mechanical failure.

AMISOM said the helicopter whose registration details were not disclosed belonged to the AU mission’s Aviation Unit from the Uganda People’s Defense Force.

African Union had deployed troops in Somalia to support Somali government in defeating repel groups.

The troops contributed by over five African countries helped Somali army capture many town including the capital from al-Shabaab fighters.