UPDATE, May 19, 2024 (2:34 p.m. EST):
Search-and-rescue teams have narrowed down the helicopter crash site involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to a two-kilometer area in the country's rugged East Azerbaijan province. Approaching the site becomes increasingly challenging as the sun sets, compounded by the weather and mud.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) of Turkey has announced the Deployment of 32 Mountaineering Search-and-Rescue Personnel and 6 Vehicles, as well as a Helicopter equipped with a Nigh-Vision Camera to Northwestern Iran to assist with the Search Operation for… https://t.co/MS226yp7bK
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 19, 2024
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
According to state media, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has crashed in the mountains of Northern Iran. Raisi's status is unknown.
Raisi took office on August 3, 2021. He is a prominent conservative figure in Iranian politics, known for his hardline stances and close alignment with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Before becoming president, Raisi held various significant positions within Iran's judicial system, including deputy chief justice, attorney general and chief justice.
As the search continues, Ayatollah Khamenei has conveyed a meeting with his nation's national security council.
⚡️If President Raisi is not found alive, Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber will take his place, new elections will have to be called within the next 50 days – Iranian media pic.twitter.com/8Ij5q65hRy
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) May 19, 2024
The rescue operation is being hindered by unfavorable weather conditions in the area of the accident.
This is how the wooded area looks like where the rescue teams are now, looking for Raisi pic.twitter.com/SYP9gMEfGD
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) May 19, 2024
The last picture taken of the helicopter carrying President Raisi pic.twitter.com/Z9VWy3hvyk
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) May 19, 2024
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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