Details of the Helicopter Crash
On Sunday (May 19), a tragic helicopter crash involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian occurred. The helicopter also carried East Azerbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati and Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the Supreme Leader’s representative to East Azerbaijan.
Russian Assistance
Following the crash, Russia has stepped in to provide support. A team of 47 rescuers and a helicopter are being sent to Iran to assist in the search and rescue operation. Due to heavy fog, reaching the crash site has been challenging for the rescuers.
Rescue Operation Details
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations announced their assistance on Monday (May 20). The team includes specialists equipped with necessary gear, all-terrain vehicles, and a BO-105 helicopter. The equipment is being loaded at Russia’s Zhukovsky airport before departing for Tabriz city in northwest Iran.
Additional Information
Raisi was returning from the Iranian-Azerbaijani border after inaugurating a dam project. Twenty rescue teams have been deployed to the crash site. Initial reports suggested Raisi chose to drive to Tabriz due to foggy conditions, but later confirmed reports stated that the helicopter was missing after a “hard landing.”
International Support
Several countries, including Turkey, Iraq, Armenia, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, have offered logistical support. The European Commission has activated satellite mapping to aid in the search efforts. Turkey dispatched an unmanned drone to assist in the search and rescue operations.
