2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash: Difference between revisions

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| image_upright =
| image_upright =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = [[Sungun copper mine]], near the site of the incident
| caption = [[Sungun copper mine]], near the site of the accident
| occurrence_type = <!-- Accident -->
| occurrence_type = Accident
| date = {{Start date and age|2024|05|19|df=yes}}, {{Approx|1:30 p.m.}}
| date = {{Start date and age|2024|05|19|df=yes}}, {{Approx|1:30 p.m.}}
| summary =
| summary =
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An Iranian official told [[Reuters]] that the lives of Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian were at risk.<ref name=":12" />
An Iranian official told [[Reuters]] that the lives of Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian were at risk.<ref name=":12" />


==Background==
==Background==<!-- President Ebrahim Raisi is a prominent hard-liner who previously served as [[Chief Justice of Iran]]. He is considered a close ally of [[Supreme Leader of Iran]] Ayatollah [[Ali Khamenei]], leading to speculation among analysts regarding his potential succession to the leadership role in the event of Ayatollah Khamenei's resignation or passing.<ref name=":02" /> During Raisi's presidency, [[Nuclear program of Iran|Iran escalated uranium enrichment]] and obstructed international inspections. It also supported [[Iran–Russia relations|Russia]] in its [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion of Ukraine]] and launched [[2024 Iranian strikes in Israel|an attack against Israel]] during the [[Israel–Hamas war|Gaza war]].<ref name=":0" /> Since he assumed office, there has been significant escalation in the bloody suppression of demonstrations against the country's [[Compulsory hijab in Iran|morality laws]].<ref name=":12" /> Additionally, Iran [[Iran and state-sponsored terrorism|continued arming]] [[Islamism|Islamist]] militant proxy groups, including [[Hezbollah]] in [[Lebanon]] and the [[Houthi movement]] in [[Yemen]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=AP |date=2024-05-19 |title=Helicopter carrying Iran’s president suffers a ‘hard landing,’ state TV says without further details |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-international/ap-rescuers-trying-to-reach-helicopter-involved-in-an-incident-that-was-traveling-with-iran-president/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}</ref> -->
<!-- President Ebrahim Raisi is a prominent hard-liner who previously served as [[Chief Justice of Iran]]. He is considered a close ally of [[Supreme Leader of Iran]] Ayatollah [[Ali Khamenei]], leading to speculation among analysts regarding his potential succession to the leadership role in the event of Ayatollah Khamenei's resignation or passing.<ref name=":02" /> During Raisi's presidency, [[Nuclear program of Iran|Iran escalated uranium enrichment]] and obstructed international inspections. It also supported [[Iran–Russia relations|Russia]] in its [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion of Ukraine]] and launched [[2024 Iranian strikes in Israel|an attack against Israel]] during the [[Israel–Hamas war|Gaza war]].<ref name=":0" /> Since he assumed office, there has been significant escalation in the bloody suppression of demonstrations against the country's [[Compulsory hijab in Iran|morality laws]].<ref name=":12" /> Additionally, Iran [[Iran and state-sponsored terrorism|continued arming]] [[Islamism|Islamist]] militant proxy groups, including [[Hezbollah]] in [[Lebanon]] and the [[Houthi movement]] in [[Yemen]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=AP |date=2024-05-19 |title=Helicopter carrying Iran’s president suffers a ‘hard landing,’ state TV says without further details |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-international/ap-rescuers-trying-to-reach-helicopter-involved-in-an-incident-that-was-traveling-with-iran-president/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}</ref> -->


Earlier on 19 May, Raisi had been in [[Azerbaijan]] to inaugurate the new [[Qiz Qalasi dam]], alongside President [[Ilham Aliyev]]. This dam marks the third collaborative project between Iran and Azerbaijan on the [[Aras (river)|Aras River]].<ref name=":02" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/215356/Qiz-Qalasi-Dam-symbol-of-cooperation-between-Tehran-Baku |title=Qiz-Qalasi Dam symbol of cooperation between Tehran, Baku |publisher=Mehr News Agency |date=19 May 2024 }}</ref>
Earlier on 19 May, Raisi had been in [[Azerbaijan]] to inaugurate the new [[Qiz Qalasi dam]], alongside President [[Ilham Aliyev]]. This dam marks the third collaborative project between Iran and Azerbaijan on the [[Aras (river)|Aras River]].<ref name=":02" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/215356/Qiz-Qalasi-Dam-symbol-of-cooperation-between-Tehran-Baku |title=Qiz-Qalasi Dam symbol of cooperation between Tehran, Baku |publisher=Mehr News Agency |date=19 May 2024 }}</ref>
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According to Iranian law, in the event of the president's death, the [[Vice President of Iran|first vice president]] (currently, [[Mohammad Mokhber]]), temporarily replaces him. An election must be conducted within six months.<ref name="NYTimesInfo"/>
According to Iranian law, in the event of the president's death, the [[Vice President of Iran|first vice president]] (currently, [[Mohammad Mokhber]]), temporarily replaces him. An election must be conducted within six months.<ref name="NYTimesInfo"/>


==Incident==
==Accident==
On 19 May 2024, a helicopter carrying Raisi, foreign minister [[Hossein Amir-Abdollahian]], governor of East Azerbaijan [[Malek Rahmati]], and Supreme Leader representative in East Azerbaijan [[Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://aje.io/2sog0w?update=2910703 |title=Who was on the missing helicopter? |date=19 May 2024 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network]] |access-date=19 May 2024}}</ref> departed with two other helicopters in a convoy to [[Tabriz]].<ref name="NYTimesInfo"/> At approximately 1:30 p.m. [[Iran Standard Time|IRST]], the helicopter carrying Raisi crashed.<ref name="NYTimesInfo"/>
On 19 May 2024, a helicopter carrying Raisi, foreign minister [[Hossein Amir-Abdollahian]], governor of East Azerbaijan [[Malek Rahmati]], and Supreme Leader representative in East Azerbaijan [[Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://aje.io/2sog0w?update=2910703 |title=Who was on the missing helicopter? |date=19 May 2024 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network]] |access-date=19 May 2024}}</ref> departed with two other helicopters in a convoy to [[Tabriz]].<ref name="NYTimesInfo"/> At approximately 1:30 p.m. [[Iran Standard Time|IRST]], the helicopter carrying Raisi crashed.<ref name="NYTimesInfo"/>
===Impact and responses===
===Impact and responses===

Revision as of 16:15, 19 May 2024

2024 Varzagan helicopter crash
Sungun copper mine, near the site of the accident
Accident
Date19 May 2024; 15 days ago (2024-05-19), Template:Approx
SiteVarzaqan, Iran
Flight originIran
DestinationTabriz, Iran
Passengers4+
Missing4+

On 19 May 2024, a helicopter crashed[1] in Varzagan, Iran, while en route to Tabriz. The helicopter was carrying Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, and Supreme Leader representative in East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem. Forty rescue teams are currently trying to locate the helicopter,[2] which, according to reports, crashed in the Dizmar Forest area.[3] The helicopter's location and the condition of the passengers remains unknown.[4]

The incident took place while Raisi was traveling in Iran's East Azerbaijan province, near the city of Jolfa, situated on the border with Azerbaijan.[4][5] Iranian TV reports that rescue operations are encountering difficulties due to the dense forest terrain, compounded by adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, and strong winds.[4] To aid in the search for the helicopter, drones, search-and-rescue teams, and specially trained dogs have been mobilized.[6]

An Iranian official told Reuters that the lives of Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian were at risk.[5]

Background

Earlier on 19 May, Raisi had been in Azerbaijan to inaugurate the new Qiz Qalasi dam, alongside President Ilham Aliyev. This dam marks the third collaborative project between Iran and Azerbaijan on the Aras River.[4][7]

According to Iranian law, in the event of the president's death, the first vice president (currently, Mohammad Mokhber), temporarily replaces him. An election must be conducted within six months.[1]

Accident

On 19 May 2024, a helicopter carrying Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, governor of East Azerbaijan Malek Rahmati, and Supreme Leader representative in East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem[8] departed with two other helicopters in a convoy to Tabriz.[1] At approximately 1:30 p.m. IRST, the helicopter carrying Raisi crashed.[1]

Impact and responses

According to Al Jazeera, the helicopter crashed near the Sungun copper mine.[9] The helicopter's exact location and condition are unknown.[4] According to IRNA, based on accounts from residents, the helicopter crashed in the Dizmar Forest region, situated between the villages of Ozi and Pir Davood. Inhabitants in the northern Varzeqan area of East Azerbaijan Province reported hearing sounds emanating from the vicinity.[1] Heavy fog is affecting search-and-rescue operations in Varzagan.[6] According to The Guardian, search-and-rescue teams are expected to reach the site of the crash by 8:00 p.m.[10] Twenty rescue teams, along with drones, were sent to the area of the crash.[11]

The Iranian government cancelled a cabinet meeting.[12] Senior officials and members of the Supreme National Security Council travelled to Tabriz.[13]

Reactions

Domestic

Prayers for Raisi were held.[1]

International

The United States Department of State stated it was aware of the incident. U.S. president Joe Biden was briefed, according to the White House.[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Fassihi, Farnaz (19 May 2024). "Helicopter Carrying Iran's President Has Crashed, State Media Reports". The New York Times. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  2. ^ Makoii, Akhtar; Abrahams, Jessica (19 May 2024). "Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi 'missing' after helicopter makes hard landing". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  3. ^ Moshtaghian, Artemis; Mando, Nechirvan; Rahimi, Rosa; Brennan, Eve (19 May 2024). "Helicopter carrying Iranian President Raisi crashes, local media reports". CNN. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Helicopter carrying Iran's president suffers a 'hard landing,' state TV says without further details". AP News. 19 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Helicopter carrying Iran's president Raisi makes rough landing, says state TV". Reuters. 19 May 2024.
  6. ^ a b Raice, Shayndi; Eqbali, Aresu (19 May 2024). "Iran Says Helicopter Carrying Its President Is Missing After 'Difficult Landing'". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Qiz-Qalasi Dam symbol of cooperation between Tehran, Baku". Mehr News Agency. 19 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Who was on the missing helicopter?". Al Jazeera Media Network. 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  9. ^ Serdar, Resul (19 May 2024). "Helicopter went missing near Sungun copper mine in East Azerbaijan province". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  10. ^ "The dispatched rescue teams will reach the probable coordinates of president Raisi's helicopter within half an hour, state media is reporting". The Guardian. 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  11. ^ CNN, By Antoinette Radford, Dakin Andone and Matt Meyer (19 May 2024). "Live updates: Iranian President Raisi involved in helicopter crash". CNN. Retrieved 19 May 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ Fassihi, Farnaz. "The Iranian government has canceled a planned cabinet meeting and convened an emergency meeting with the country's crisis management committee, state media reported". The New York Times. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  13. ^ Fassihi, Farnaz. "Members of Iran's Supreme National Security Committee and senior officials from the government have traveled to Tabriz, the closest major city to the site of the accident, state media reported". The New York Times. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  14. ^ "US comments on reports of accident". Al Jazeera. 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
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