Search Efforts Intensify After Helicopter Carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Suffers Hard Landing
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several senior officials experienced a hard landing in the mountainous region of East Azerbaijan province, near Jolfa. The incident occurred as the delegation was returning from the inauguration of a dam on the Iran-Azerbaijan border.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
According to Iranian state media, the helicopter was one of three in a convoy. While the other two helicopters safely reached their destinations, Raisi’s helicopter went down in adverse weather conditions characterized by heavy fog and rain. Initial reports indicate that rescue efforts were promptly initiated, involving 40 Red Crescent relief teams, drones, and search-and-rescue dogs. The Iranian military also deployed troops to aid the operation .
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi confirmed the hard landing and highlighted the challenges posed by the weather. Despite these difficulties, communication was established with some of the helicopter’s passengers, raising hopes for a successful rescue operation.
The crash site is believed to be in the Dizmar Protected Area, a dense and mountainous region complicating rescue operations .
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on the nation to pray for Raisi and his companions, reassuring the public that the government would continue to function despite the ongoing crisis.
Khamenei expressed optimism for the president’s safe return and emphasized the continuity of governance. He addressed concerns during a meeting with families of Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel, urging the public to remain calm .
The international community has closely followed the situation. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, who had met with Raisi earlier in the day, offered his country’s assistance in the search efforts. U.S. President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident, and the State Department is closely monitoring the situation.
The European Union, through Charles Michel, president of the European Council, also expressed concern, with officials monitoring developments and offering support if needed. Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended best wishes to the Iranian people and expressed hope for the safety of Raisi and his team. The Turkish Emergency Authority is ready to send vehicles and search-and-rescue experts after Iran requested assistance .
The rugged terrain and inclement weather have significantly hampered the rescue mission. Search-and-rescue aircraft have been grounded due to poor visibility, and ground teams are facing delays in reaching the crash site.
The helicopter is believed to have come down in the Dizmar Protected Area, a dense and mountainous region complicating rescue operations. Despite these obstacles, rescue teams have made some progress. The head of the Iranian Red Crescent reported that search teams were making their way to the site, though the conditions suggest it may take until the night of May 20 for them to reach the helicopter .
Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of the Iranian military, stated that all available resources from the army, the army corps, and the police command are being utilized to locate and rescue the president and his companions. This includes extensive ground operations due to the inability of aircraft to operate under the current weather conditions.
President Raisi’s Background and Potential Impact
Ebrahim Raisi, elected in 2021, is known as a hard-liner compared to his predecessor, Hassan Rouhani. His tenure has seen a continuation of Iran’s complex relations with the West, particularly concerning its nuclear program. Domestically, Raisi’s administration has faced various challenges, including economic sanctions and internal political dynamics. Last month, Raisi supported Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel following an airstrike in Damascus that killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps .
In the event of a presidential death, Iran’s constitution mandates that the first vice president assumes office with the supreme leader’s approval until a new election can be held within 50 days. This provision ensures continuity in governance, reflecting the country’s political structure where the supreme leader holds ultimate authority .
Iran’s aviation industry has faced significant challenges due to decades of sanctions, which have made it difficult to purchase new aircraft or obtain parts for maintenance. Many of the helicopters and planes in use date back to before the 1979 revolution. This incident adds to Iran’s troubled aviation history, with nearly 2,000 Iranians having died in various aircraft incidents since the revolution. The lack of modern equipment and parts contributes to the high accident rate and poses ongoing risks to air travel in the country .