A United States military helicopter with five US Marines on board that went missing late on Tuesday (February 6) has been found, said the US officials, but the&nbsp;fate of the personnel is still unclear.

The Marine Corps said that the helicopter failed to arrive in California as scheduled. It was travelling from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in southern California. The Marine Corps said in its statement that "the aircraft was reported overdue" indicating that it had&nbsp;gone missing.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing coordinated search and rescue efforts with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the Civil Air Patrol.

The exact fate of the US military personnel on board&nbsp;is still unknown and a search effort has been launched. There have been a number of accidents involving US military aircraft in the past year. In November, a V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan. Eight airmen were left dead in the accident. Another Osprey aircraft crashed in August in Australia killing three Marines.

Watch | Houthis launch multiple anti-ship ballistic missile attacks in Red Sea &amp; Gulf of Aden

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-launch-multiple-anti-ship-ballistic-missile-attacks-in-red-sea-gulf-of-aden-687871/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In a separate incident, three military personnel were killed in a collision of two helicopters that were returning from Alaska. The accident took place in April last year.

Reports in US media said that the San Diego County Sheriff's Department was informed of the situation at 1 am (local time). The helicopter was due to land in San Diego.

The helicopter has gone missing in the Pine Valley area. It is about 44 miles from San Diego.

The Sheriff's Department has launched a search and rescue mission along with the Marine and Civil Air Patrol teams which specialise in mountain searches

“The weather is so bad out there with snow and low cloud coverage that we could not get helicopters out there,” said Lt &nbsp;Matthew Carpenter, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gaza-war-blinken-reviewing-hamas-over-the-top-response-to-proposed-gaza-deal-687674">Israel-Gaza war: Biden terms Hamas' response to proposed truce deal ‘a little over the top’</a>

The missing helicopter is a CH-53E Super Stallion. It is used to carry heavy cargo and personnel.

(With inputs from agencies)

A United States military helicopter with five US Marines on board that went missing late on Tuesday (February 6) has been found, said the US officials, but the fate of the personnel is still unclear.

A United States military helicopter with five US Marines on board that went missing late on Tuesday (February 6) has been found, said the US officials, but the fate of the personnel is still unclear. The Marine Corps said that the helicopter failed to arrive in California as scheduled. It was travelling from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in southern California. The Marine Corps said in its statement that "the aircraft was reported overdue" indicating that it had gone missing. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing coordinated search and rescue efforts with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the Civil Air Patrol. The exact fate of the US military personnel on board is still unknown and a search effort has been launched. There have been a number of accidents involving US military aircraft in the past year. In November, a V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan. Eight airmen were left dead in the accident. Another Osprey aircraft crashed in August in Australia killing three Marines. Watch | Houthis launch multiple anti-ship ballistic missile attacks in Red Sea & Gulf of Aden × In a separate incident, three military personnel were killed in a collision of two helicopters that were returning from Alaska. The accident took place in April last year. Reports in US media said that the San Diego County Sheriff's Department was informed of the situation at 1 am (local time). The helicopter was due to land in San Diego. The helicopter has gone missing in the Pine Valley area. It is about 44 miles from San Diego. The Sheriff's Department has launched a search and rescue mission along with the Marine and Civil Air Patrol teams which specialise in mountain searches “The weather is so bad out there with snow and low cloud coverage that we could not get helicopters out there,” said Lt Matthew Carpenter, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department. Also Read | Israel-Gaza war: Biden terms Hamas' response to proposed truce deal ‘a little over the top’ The missing helicopter is a CH-53E Super Stallion. It is used to carry heavy cargo and personnel. (With inputs from agencies)

Missing US military chopper found, fate of five Marines on board unknown

A US military helicopter that vanished has been found in a mountainous area – but without the five Marines it was carrying.

Missing US military helicopter found without the five Marines on board

After a horrific air crash in Nepal killed six people the country. The aviation authority regulator has ordered a ban on all non-essential helicopter flights.

Nepal Civil Aviation Authority: Non-essential flights to be restricted till September

Nepal has a high frequency of aircraft disasters, with at least one air disaster occurring every year since 1953. There have been 18 disasters involving planes or helicopters since the beginning of the 2000s, resulting in over 900 deaths.

High frequency of aircraft disasters: Why Nepal faces persistent crashes

A helicopter with six people on board has gone missing in Nepal. As per what is known so far, Nepal officials have said that this helicopter carrying six people with five foreign Nationals went missing on Tuesday morning.

Nepal: chopper enroute from Surke to Kathmandu, 6 missing

An Indian Army chopper crashed in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The incident purportedly took place&nbsp;near Machhna village in the district's Marwah tehsil. At least three people were onboard the chopper when the crash took place.&nbsp;

Reports citing sources suggest the pilots of the chopper sustained injuries but they are safe. “One Army AHL Dhruv helicopter crashed near Kishtwar, Jammu &amp; Kashmir today. Pilots have suffered injuries but are safe," said local reports&nbsp;citing official&nbsp;sources.

The remains of the chopper were found in the Marusudar River, which flows throw Marwah-Dachhan in the Kishtwar district.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-leader-says-ukraine-counter-offensive-has-begun-death-toll-from-kherson-shelling-rises-to-21-588678">Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21</a>

The chopper&nbsp; that came down was an advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.&nbsp;

The Udhampur-based Northern Command said in an official statement, “At about 1115 hours on 04 May 2023, an Army Aviation ALH Dhruv helicopter on an operational mission made a precautionary landing on the banks of Marua river in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-killed-25-injured-after-road-accident-in-egypt-588676">At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports</a>

The Indian Army said that a court of inquiry has been ordered. Any further details into the incident are still awaited.&nbsp;

Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-seizes-panama-flagged-oil-tanker-in-tehran-on-judicial-order-world-news-wion-588669/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The cause for the chopper crash was a technical fault reported during the flight. The pilot reported the fault to the Air Traffic Controller (ATC). Later, as per procedure they made a precautionary landing, the Army added.&nbsp;

(This is a developing story)

An Indian Army chopper crashed in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The incident purportedly took place near Machhna village in the district's Marwah tehsil.

An Indian Army chopper crashed in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The incident purportedly took place near Machhna village in the district's Marwah tehsil. At least three people were onboard the chopper when the crash took place. Reports citing sources suggest the pilots of the chopper sustained injuries but they are safe. “One Army AHL Dhruv helicopter crashed near Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir today. Pilots have suffered injuries but are safe," said local reports citing official sources. The remains of the chopper were found in the Marusudar River, which flows throw Marwah-Dachhan in the Kishtwar district. Also Read | Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21 The chopper that came down was an advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv. The Udhampur-based Northern Command said in an official statement, “At about 1115 hours on 04 May 2023, an Army Aviation ALH Dhruv helicopter on an operational mission made a precautionary landing on the banks of Marua river in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir." Also Read | At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports The Indian Army said that a court of inquiry has been ordered. Any further details into the incident are still awaited. Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION × The cause for the chopper crash was a technical fault reported during the flight. The pilot reported the fault to the Air Traffic Controller (ATC). Later, as per procedure they made a precautionary landing, the Army added. (This is a developing story)

Indian Army chopper with 3 onboard crashes in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district

The Afghan Defence Ministry on Saturday said their findings show that an air force helicopter that crashed three days ago was shot down by a local militia leader, vowing 'revenge' for the four crew members and five soldiers, who died.&nbsp;

Ministry spokesperson Fawad Aman said that investigators determined the Mi-17 helicopter that went down in central Wardak province was targeted by the militias tied to Abdul Ghani Alipoor, reports dpa&nbsp;news agency.&nbsp;

Alipoor is an ethnic Hazara militia commander, who is believed to lead hundreds of armed men in Wardak, his home province.&nbsp;

He has taken up arms to defend his community after repeated attacks by the Taliban and Kuchis, a nomadic people in the province.&nbsp;

Recently, the local strongman clashed with government forces in the province over the appointment of a new police commander in the area.&nbsp;

President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday said that the culprits involved in taking down the helicopter will be punished.&nbsp;

Alipoor has reportedly admitted that it was his men.&nbsp;

He was arrested in an operation in Kabul in late 2018 but was later released in return for concessions to the government following a wave of protests by his followers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Afghan Defence Ministry on Saturday said their findings show that an air force helicopter that crashed three days ago was shot down by a local militia leader, vowing 'revenge' for the four crew members and five soldiers, who died.

The Afghan Defence Ministry on Saturday said their findings show that an air force helicopter that crashed three days ago was shot down by a local militia leader, vowing 'revenge' for the four crew members and five soldiers, who died. Ministry spokesperson Fawad Aman said that investigators determined the Mi-17 helicopter that went down in central Wardak province was targeted by the militias tied to Abdul Ghani Alipoor, reports dpa news agency. Alipoor is an ethnic Hazara militia commander, who is believed to lead hundreds of armed men in Wardak, his home province. He has taken up arms to defend his community after repeated attacks by the Taliban and Kuchis, a nomadic people in the province. Recently, the local strongman clashed with government forces in the province over the appointment of a new police commander in the area. President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday said that the culprits involved in taking down the helicopter will be punished. Alipoor has reportedly admitted that it was his men. He was arrested in an operation in Kabul in late 2018 but was later released in return for concessions to the government following a wave of protests by his followers. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan army vows revenge for chopper crash 

After surviving a helicopter crash and being dropped by a medical worker, a donated heart managed to make its way to the recipient. WION brings you a report.

Donated heart survives chopper crash | A 'brave heart'... quite literally

Four Indian firms including Tata, Adani, Mahindra Defence Systems and Bharat Forge have been shortlisted by the Indian Navy as strategic partners for the project involving a deal worth Rs 25,000 crore for indigenous manufacturing of 111 Naval Utility Choppers.

Under the first project of the strategic partnership policy of the Narendra Modi government to develop indigenous industry's defence manufacturing capacity, 111 light helicopters have to be built indigenously through joint ventures between Indian and foreign firms.

"The four Indian firms will now need to partner with foreign original equipment manufacturers including European Airbus Helicopters which has offered two choppers, American Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin and Russian Rosoboronexport," sources in the Navy told ANI.

The Navy will now take the case to the Defence Acquisition Council with the shortlisted names of both Indian and foreign manufacturers for the ambitious project to get the approval from the government for its shortlist and take the process forward.

Sources said a total of eight Indian companies had shown interest in becoming strategic partners including a public sector undertaking but only four have been shortlisted by the force which will use the new choppers to replace its fleet of Cheetah/Chetak helicopters.

The Strategic Partnership model was first envisaged under the leadership of late Manohar Parrikar during his stint as defence minister and gained shape later under Nirmala Sitharaman.

The strategic partnership model envisages tie-up between Indian and foreign firms leading to the acquisition of niche technologies and setting up of modern production facilities in India.

Under the plan, the first 16 helicopters have to be delivered from the OEM's overseas production facility and the remaining 95 helicopters Are to be manufactured in India by the selected strategic partner form.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Four Indian firms including Tata, Adani, Mahindra Defence Systems and Bharat Forge have been shortlisted by the Indian Navy as strategic partners for the project involving a deal worth Rs 25,000 crore for indigenous manufacturing of 111 Naval Utility Choppers.

Four Indian firms including Tata, Adani, Mahindra Defence Systems and Bharat Forge have been shortlisted by the Indian Navy as strategic partners for the project involving a deal worth Rs 25,000 crore for indigenous manufacturing of 111 Naval Utility Choppers. Under the first project of the strategic partnership policy of the Narendra Modi government to develop indigenous industry's defence manufacturing capacity, 111 light helicopters have to be built indigenously through joint ventures between Indian and foreign firms. "The four Indian firms will now need to partner with foreign original equipment manufacturers including European Airbus Helicopters which has offered two choppers, American Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin and Russian Rosoboronexport," sources in the Navy told ANI. The Navy will now take the case to the Defence Acquisition Council with the shortlisted names of both Indian and foreign manufacturers for the ambitious project to get the approval from the government for its shortlist and take the process forward. Sources said a total of eight Indian companies had shown interest in becoming strategic partners including a public sector undertaking but only four have been shortlisted by the force which will use the new choppers to replace its fleet of Cheetah/Chetak helicopters. The Strategic Partnership model was first envisaged under the leadership of late Manohar Parrikar during his stint as defence minister and gained shape later under Nirmala Sitharaman. The strategic partnership model envisages tie-up between Indian and foreign firms leading to the acquisition of niche technologies and setting up of modern production facilities in India. Under the plan, the first 16 helicopters have to be delivered from the OEM's overseas production facility and the remaining 95 helicopters Are to be manufactured in India by the selected strategic partner form.

Four Indian firms including Tata, Adani in final race for Rs 25,000 crore chopper deal for Navy

An Indian Army Cheetah chopper crashed near Yongphulla in Bhutan on Friday killing both its pilots including a Bhutanese Army Captain.

The two pilots have been identified as Lieutenant Colonel Rajneesh Parmar of Indian Army and Captain Kalzang Wangdi of Royal Bhutan Army.

The single-engine Cheetah Helicopter of the Indian Army was on duty en-route from Khirmu (Arunanchal) to Yongfulla (Bhutan) when it crashed near Yongphulla at about 1 pm, Army Spokesperson Col Aman Anand said.

The chopper belonged to Indian Army`s 667 Army Aviation Squadron based in Misamari in Assam.

The chopper was returning after a commitment with an Indian Army Major General posted with Indian Army Military Training Team (IMTRAT) deployed in Bhutan, Indian Army sources said.

As a part of the arrangement between Indian and Bhutan, Bhutanese pilots have been training with the Indian Army since 2014-15.

Cheetahs are 1960 vintage planes which have been in the Indian Army for the last over 40 years and several attempts to replace them have failed due to one reason or the other.

"In an unfortunate incident, an Indian Army Helicopter has crashed at 1 pm near Yongphulla in Bhutan. The helicopter went out of radio and visual contact soon after 1 pm. The helicopter was on way from Khirmu (Arunanchal) to Yongphulla on duty," said Anand.

"Ground search and rescue were launched immediately from Yongphulla. The wreckage has been located," he said.&nbsp;

An Indian Army Cheetah chopper crashed near Yongphulla in Bhutan on Friday killing both its pilots including a Bhutanese Army Captain. The two pilots have been identified as Lieutenant Colonel Rajneesh Parmar of Indian Army and Captain Kalzang Wangdi of Royal Bhutan Army.

An Indian Army Cheetah chopper crashed near Yongphulla in Bhutan on Friday killing both its pilots including a Bhutanese Army Captain. The two pilots have been identified as Lieutenant Colonel Rajneesh Parmar of Indian Army and Captain Kalzang Wangdi of Royal Bhutan Army. The single-engine Cheetah Helicopter of the Indian Army was on duty en-route from Khirmu (Arunanchal) to Yongfulla (Bhutan) when it crashed near Yongphulla at about 1 pm, Army Spokesperson Col Aman Anand said. The chopper belonged to Indian Army`s 667 Army Aviation Squadron based in Misamari in Assam. The chopper was returning after a commitment with an Indian Army Major General posted with Indian Army Military Training Team (IMTRAT) deployed in Bhutan, Indian Army sources said. As a part of the arrangement between Indian and Bhutan, Bhutanese pilots have been training with the Indian Army since 2014-15. Cheetahs are 1960 vintage planes which have been in the Indian Army for the last over 40 years and several attempts to replace them have failed due to one reason or the other. "In an unfortunate incident, an Indian Army Helicopter has crashed at 1 pm near Yongphulla in Bhutan. The helicopter went out of radio and visual contact soon after 1 pm. The helicopter was on way from Khirmu (Arunanchal) to Yongphulla on duty," said Anand. "Ground search and rescue were launched immediately from Yongphulla. The wreckage has been located," he said.

Indian Army chopper crashes in Bhutan, both pilots killed

Helicopter crashed onto the roof of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper. Watch this video to know more.

Chopper crashes into Manhattan building

The Defence Ministry on Friday approved Indian Navy's proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships.

"The Defence Ministry cleared the Rs 3,600 crore proposal for buying around 10 Kamov-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control choppers for the aircraft carrier operations and deployment on future warships," government sources told ANI.

The decision was taken by the Defence Ministry at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Navy already has a fleet of 12 of these Kamov-31 choppers which sanitise the air space around the aircraft carriers and destroyers operating in open seas.

For the anti-submarine warfare operations, the Navy has a fleet of Russian Kamov-28 choppers along with the Seaking choppers which were procured long back in the 1980s and are in need of an upgrade.

The Narendra Modi led government has not let the election season affect the military modernisation plans as Defence Acquisition Council and Cabinet Committee on Security meetings are being held regularly to clear important acquisitions for the forces.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry on Friday approved Indian Navy's proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships.

The Defence Ministry on Friday approved Indian Navy's proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships. "The Defence Ministry cleared the Rs 3,600 crore proposal for buying around 10 Kamov-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control choppers for the aircraft carrier operations and deployment on future warships," government sources told ANI. The decision was taken by the Defence Ministry at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Navy already has a fleet of 12 of these Kamov-31 choppers which sanitise the air space around the aircraft carriers and destroyers operating in open seas. For the anti-submarine warfare operations, the Navy has a fleet of Russian Kamov-28 choppers along with the Seaking choppers which were procured long back in the 1980s and are in need of an upgrade. The Narendra Modi led government has not let the election season affect the military modernisation plans as Defence Acquisition Council and Cabinet Committee on Security meetings are being held regularly to clear important acquisitions for the forces.

Defence Ministry clears Navy's Rs 3,600 crore deal with Russia for 10 Kamov-31 choppers

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said.

Hardik Patel had to later travel by road to Lunawada, around 100km from Ahmedabad, to address an election rally.

The 25-year-old, who led the Patidar reservation stir in Gujarat since 2015 and joined the Congress last month, has emerged as a star campaigner for the opposition party, criss- crossing the state in a helicopter to address poll rallies.

His helicopter ride to Lunawada to address an election rally for Congress’s Panchmahal Lok Sabha candidate Vechatbhai Khant got into trouble after a farmer, Vinay Patel, went back on his permission to allow the chopper to land on his private field, the official said.

Vinay Patel sounded upset with Hardik Patel, saying he is “playing politics on the bodies of those who died” during the Patidar reservation agitation.

“Hardik was to attend an election rally at 5 pm Thursday at Lunawada and two days ago permission was granted for his helicopter to land at a private land.

“But the owner of the private land on which the temporary helipad was to be constructed for the chopper to land declined (permission) at the last moment,” said resident additional collector R R Thakkar.

Since the permission to land his helicopter was cancelled, Hardik Patel travelled to the town by road to address the rally, Thakkar said.

Vinay Patel claimed permission for the helicopter’s landing was sought from district authorities here by a local Congress leader without his knowledge.

“On April 16, local Congress leader Suresh Patel had sought permission (from authorities) for a helipad without my knowledge. When I learnt that he was given permission, I raised objection after which action was taken,” he said.

“I know Hardik, the Patidar leader from our community, and I know who he is. I object to him putting foot on my land because he is doing politics on the dead bodies of 14 Patidar youths (killed during the quota agitation),” he said.&nbsp;

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said.

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said. Hardik Patel had to later travel by road to Lunawada, around 100km from Ahmedabad, to address an election rally. The 25-year-old, who led the Patidar reservation stir in Gujarat since 2015 and joined the Congress last month, has emerged as a star campaigner for the opposition party, criss- crossing the state in a helicopter to address poll rallies. His helicopter ride to Lunawada to address an election rally for Congress’s Panchmahal Lok Sabha candidate Vechatbhai Khant got into trouble after a farmer, Vinay Patel, went back on his permission to allow the chopper to land on his private field, the official said. Vinay Patel sounded upset with Hardik Patel, saying he is “playing politics on the bodies of those who died” during the Patidar reservation agitation. “Hardik was to attend an election rally at 5 pm Thursday at Lunawada and two days ago permission was granted for his helicopter to land at a private land. “But the owner of the private land on which the temporary helipad was to be constructed for the chopper to land declined (permission) at the last moment,” said resident additional collector R R Thakkar. Since the permission to land his helicopter was cancelled, Hardik Patel travelled to the town by road to address the rally, Thakkar said. Vinay Patel claimed permission for the helicopter’s landing was sought from district authorities here by a local Congress leader without his knowledge. “On April 16, local Congress leader Suresh Patel had sought permission (from authorities) for a helipad without my knowledge. When I learnt that he was given permission, I raised objection after which action was taken,” he said. “I know Hardik, the Patidar leader from our community, and I know who he is. I object to him putting foot on my land because he is doing politics on the dead bodies of 14 Patidar youths (killed during the quota agitation),” he said.

‘Playing politics on bodies’: Farmer refuses to let Hardik Patel’s chopper land on his farm

WION Wings boards a VVIP Mi-17 Chopper

Rajiv Saxena, an accused in AgustaWestland chopper deal scam, was extradited from Dubai, UAE, to India on Wednesday, making it second such catch for the investigating agencies after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">Christian Michel</a>. &nbsp;

According to sources, Saxena is likely to land in Delhi on Wednesday night.

In December last year, the UAE government had extradited Christian Michel, a British national and alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal scam.

“Saxena is likely to land here at 9.30 pm,” said sources.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in December last year, in reply against Dubai-based businessman Saxena’s bail plea, had informed the court about the request for his extradition from Dubai as he had failed to join the investigation even after repeated reminders.

On October 6 last year, a court in Delhi had issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Saxena after the ED informed the court that he was not joining the investigation even after repeated summons. Saxena’s name figured in a charge sheet filed against his wife Shivani, currently out on bail after being arrested by the ED.&nbsp;

Geeta Luthra and Prateek Yadav, lawyers of Rajiv Saxena said when they asked to speak to UAE state security and demanded to understand what happened, they were told he is on flight and can’t be stopped. When they queried this further they were told “Ask the Indian Government".

They further added, "There were no extradition proceedings started in the UAE and he was not allowed access to his family or lawyers or essential daily medicine. He was boarded onto a private jet from a private terminal at Dubai International Airport".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Geeta Luthra&amp;Prateek Yadav, lawyers of Rajiv Saxena: There were no extradition proceedings started in the UAE &amp; he was not allowed access to his family or lawyers or essential daily medicine. He was onboarded onto a pvt jet from a private terminal at Dubai International Airport.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090627753928343554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The lawyers also said that Rajiv Saxena was picked up by UAE state security from his residence this morning at 9:30 am (UAE time) and illegally extradited to India around 5:30 pm (UAE time).

Rajiv Saxena, an accused in AgustaWestland chopper deal scam, was extradited from Dubai, UAE, to India on Wednesday, making it second such catch for the investigating agencies after Christian Michel.

Rajiv Saxena, an accused in AgustaWestland chopper deal scam, was extradited from Dubai, UAE, to India on Wednesday, making it second such catch for the investigating agencies after Christian Michel. According to sources, Saxena is likely to land in Delhi on Wednesday night. In December last year, the UAE government had extradited Christian Michel, a British national and alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal scam. “Saxena is likely to land here at 9.30 pm,” said sources. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in December last year, in reply against Dubai-based businessman Saxena’s bail plea, had informed the court about the request for his extradition from Dubai as he had failed to join the investigation even after repeated reminders. On October 6 last year, a court in Delhi had issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Saxena after the ED informed the court that he was not joining the investigation even after repeated summons. Saxena’s name figured in a charge sheet filed against his wife Shivani, currently out on bail after being arrested by the ED. Geeta Luthra and Prateek Yadav, lawyers of Rajiv Saxena said when they asked to speak to UAE state security and demanded to understand what happened, they were told he is on flight and can’t be stopped. When they queried this further they were told “Ask the Indian Government". They further added, "There were no extradition proceedings started in the UAE and he was not allowed access to his family or lawyers or essential daily medicine. He was boarded onto a private jet from a private terminal at Dubai International Airport". Geeta Luthra&Prateek Yadav, lawyers of Rajiv Saxena: There were no extradition proceedings started in the UAE & he was not allowed access to his family or lawyers or essential daily medicine. He was onboarded onto a pvt jet from a private terminal at Dubai International Airport. — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2019 × The lawyers also said that Rajiv Saxena was picked up by UAE state security from his residence this morning at 9:30 am (UAE time) and illegally extradited to India around 5:30 pm (UAE time).

Rajiv Saxena, accused in AgustaWestland case to be extradited from Dubai: Sources

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district.

Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&amp;misleading ppl <a href="https://t.co/pUcLTrqPF3">pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087264218020225024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district&nbsp;citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area.

Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally.&nbsp;

A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible".

BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday.

"Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&amp;material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible'
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087216353394741250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' <a href="https://t.co/igpJisZyul">https://t.co/igpJisZyul</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087217407113003009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there".

"At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat &amp; clean. Helicopters are landing &amp; can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. <a href="https://t.co/xdOrCSvgra">pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087235557149663232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee clarified on Monday that the state government has allowed the landing of Amit Shah's chopper in Malda district. Responding on BJP's claim of denial to the landing, Banerjee said, "Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said Amit Shah's chopper should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting information and misleading people". WB CM: Permission given but there are security issues. Police had said chopper(Amit Shah's)should land at some other place,I also change my chopper's landing on police request.We granted permission for meeting as we believe in democracy.They(BJP)are distorting info&misleading ppl pic.twitter.com/pUcLTrqPF3 — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Earlier reports said that the West Bengal government has denied the permission for the landing of the helicopter in the Malda district citing ongoing "up-gradation" in the area. Shah who is scheduled to address a rally in Malda on January 22 is supposed to take a helicopter from Kolkata to reach Malda and address the public rally. A letter written by the Additional DM to the BJP had stated, "Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand and material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of the helicopter. Permission not possible". BJP General Secretary, on the other hand, claimed that the Malda airport is being used by West Bengal government for landing their airport service every Wednesday. "Malda airport is now being used by West Bengal government for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB government?" General Secretary, BJP Malda asked the administration. WB: In letter dated 18 Jan, Addl DM, Malda replied to BJP over permission for landing chopper at Malda airport on 20 Jan, states 'Up-gradation work at Malda airport going on. Sand&material lying around. Airport not suitable for safe landing of helicopter. Permission not possible' — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × General Secy, BJP Malda had written to Malda DM on 18 Jan stating 'Malda airport is now being used by WB govt for landing their helicopter service every Wednesday. You're saying that Malda airport us not suitable for safe landing, then why you are allowing helicopter of WB govt?' https://t.co/igpJisZyul — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × Reacting on the incident Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, " Tomorrow our National President Amit Shah, after having recovered, was to address a rally in Malda in West Bengal. But permission had been refused for his helicopter to land on the ground that airport renovation work is going on and some construction material is there". "At same helipad, Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat and clean. Helicopters are landing and can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of government power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied". Union Min RS Prasad: At same helipad Mamata ji's helicopter landed few days ago. Some journalists went there, I have pictures, it is neat & clean. Helicopters are landing & can land. Based on baseless falsehood, by abuse of govt power, helicopter of Amit Shah ji had been denied. pic.twitter.com/xdOrCSvgra — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 ×

West Bengal finally says it will allow Amit Shah's helicopter to land

The Enforcement Directorate is likely to file a supplementary complaint in the alleged AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. A senior ED official told ANI that the agency is expecting more information to come out of middleman Christian James Michel once he is questioned by the ED.

Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, was sent to five days CBI custody on Wednesday.&nbsp;Once the CBI interrogation is over, the ED will take charge of the interrogation.&nbsp;

The official told ANI that the Investigating Officers are preparing a questionnaire to interrogate Michel. He further added that ED has enough evidence against Michel and that ED had filed a prosecution complaint last year where it was alleged that Michel had paid several people in cash.

On July 18 2018, ED filed Prosecution Complaint against 34 accused persons and companies including Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, former Directors of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, former IAF chief SP Tyagi and others in the case of AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam.&nbsp;

The ED investigation revealed that the kickbacks were paid by AgustaWestland through two different channels.&nbsp;

One channel was handled by middleman Christian Michel James and the other channel was handled by Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke.

Gerosa and Haschke in collusion with Tyagi brothers (cousins of former IAF chief SP Tyagi), conspired with Gautam Khaitan of M/s OP Khaitan and Company, Auditors and Solicitors based at New Delhi. Enforcement Directorate had earlier attached properties worth Rs 10 crores and froze shares worth more than Rs 150 crores belonging to Tyagi brothers, Gautam Khaitan, Carlo Gerosa, Christian Michel James and Rajiv Saxena.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate is likely to file a supplementary complaint in the alleged AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. A senior ED official told ANI that the agency is expecting more information to come out of middleman Christian James Michel once he is questioned by the ED.

The Enforcement Directorate is likely to file a supplementary complaint in the alleged AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. A senior ED official told ANI that the agency is expecting more information to come out of middleman Christian James Michel once he is questioned by the ED. Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, was sent to five days CBI custody on Wednesday. Once the CBI interrogation is over, the ED will take charge of the interrogation. The official told ANI that the Investigating Officers are preparing a questionnaire to interrogate Michel. He further added that ED has enough evidence against Michel and that ED had filed a prosecution complaint last year where it was alleged that Michel had paid several people in cash. On July 18 2018, ED filed Prosecution Complaint against 34 accused persons and companies including Giuseppe Orsi and Bruno Spagnolini, former Directors of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland, former IAF chief SP Tyagi and others in the case of AgustaWestland VVIP Helicopter Scam. The ED investigation revealed that the kickbacks were paid by AgustaWestland through two different channels. One channel was handled by middleman Christian Michel James and the other channel was handled by Carlo Gerosa and Guido Haschke. Gerosa and Haschke in collusion with Tyagi brothers (cousins of former IAF chief SP Tyagi), conspired with Gautam Khaitan of M/s OP Khaitan and Company, Auditors and Solicitors based at New Delhi. Enforcement Directorate had earlier attached properties worth Rs 10 crores and froze shares worth more than Rs 150 crores belonging to Tyagi brothers, Gautam Khaitan, Carlo Gerosa, Christian Michel James and Rajiv Saxena.

ED likely to file supplementary complaint in AgustaWestland chopper scam

Pakistani Chopper violates Indian Airspace 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/judicial-rift-bar-council-forms-7-member-committee-to-resolve-the-matter-29421">Judicial rift: Bar Council forms 7-member committee to resolve the matter</a>

The 7-member delegation will meet the four Supreme Court judges.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-found-nothing-took-some-documents-to-justify-themselves-chidambaram-on-ed-raids-on-kartis-residence-29407">Chidambaram terms ED raids as &#39;comedy of errors&#39;</a>

He also spoke about the absence of an FIR or any Police agency.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pawan-hans-chopper-crashes-off-mumbai-coast-4-bodies-found-29420">Pawan Hans chopper crashes off Mumbai coast, 4 bodies found</a>

So far, four bodies have been recovered, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation said in a statement. The search operation is on for other missing persons.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-held-in-connection-with-attack-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-convoy-29426">19 held in connection with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-held-in-connection-with-attack-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-convoy-29426">attack</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-held-in-connection-with-attack-on-bihar-cm-nitish-kumars-convoy-29426"> on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar&#39;s convoy</a>

Nitish Kumar was on a state-wide tour to take a stock of state government&#39;s development schemes over the years when his convoy came under attack.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/gavaskar-questions-indias-team-selection-for-2nd-test-29417">Gavaskar questions India&#39;s team selection for 2nd Test</a>

Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.

&nbsp;

Judicial rift: Bar Council forms 7-member committee to resolve the matter The 7-member delegation will meet the four Supreme Court judges. Chidambaram terms ED raids as 'comedy of errors' He also spoke about the absence of an FIR or any Police agency. Pawan Hans chopper crashes off Mumbai coast, 4 bodies found So far, four bodies have been recovered, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation said in a statement. The search operation is on for other missing persons. 19 held in connection with attack on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's convoy Nitish Kumar was on a state-wide tour to take a stock of state government's development schemes over the years when his convoy came under attack. Gavaskar questions India's team selection for 2nd Test Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.

WION Evening News brief, January 13, 2018

A chopper carrying Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis force-landed today shortly after it took off from Nashik.

Officials said the private helicopter was &quot;overloaded&quot; because of which it had to force-land.&nbsp;

The chief minister, along with Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, was travelling to Aurangabad. But the helicopter had trouble taking-off and consequently force-landed around 9.30 am.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Fadnavis reached Aurangabad in 25 minutes while his cook and his luggage travelled by road and caught up with him in three hours</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Fadnavis reached Aurangabad in 25 minutes while his cook and his luggage travelled by road and caught up with him in three hours" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

The helicopter was reportedly not able to ascend more than 50 feet and was unable to fly any farther, prompting the pilot to land.

The chief minister&#39;s cook and some his luggage were off-loaded after which the helicopter was able to take off successfully.&nbsp;

An official said, &quot;As the helicopter was unable to get the required altitude to fly, some luggage was also off- loaded. This is not a major issue. The chief minister flew in the same chopper and attended all events in Aurangabad as per schedule.&quot;

Video of the incident went viral on social media. In it, the chopper can be seen struggling to take-off, it then stabilises and makes a slow descent to the ground.

Fadnavis reached Aurangabad in 25 minutes while his cook and his luggage travelled by road and caught up with him in three hours.&nbsp;

Due to fuel issues, the chopper is permitted to fly with only four passengers when it can easily accommodate&nbsp;six people, government officials said.

The chief minister emerged unharmed from the incident.

Fadnavis&#39; aircraft have had had issues earlier too, including a helicopter crash in Latur this May.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

The chief minister's cook and some of his luggage were off-loaded after which the helicopter was able to take off successfully

A chopper carrying Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis force-landed today shortly after it took off from Nashik. Officials said the private helicopter was "overloaded" because of which it had to force-land. The chief minister, along with Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, was travelling to Aurangabad. But the helicopter had trouble taking-off and consequently force-landed around 9.30 am. Fadnavis reached Aurangabad in 25 minutes while his cook and his luggage travelled by road and caught up with him in three hours × The helicopter was reportedly not able to ascend more than 50 feet and was unable to fly any farther, prompting the pilot to land. The chief minister's cook and some his luggage were off-loaded after which the helicopter was able to take off successfully. An official said, "As the helicopter was unable to get the required altitude to fly, some luggage was also off- loaded. This is not a major issue. The chief minister flew in the same chopper and attended all events in Aurangabad as per schedule." Video of the incident went viral on social media. In it, the chopper can be seen struggling to take-off, it then stabilises and makes a slow descent to the ground. Fadnavis reached Aurangabad in 25 minutes while his cook and his luggage travelled by road and caught up with him in three hours. Due to fuel issues, the chopper is permitted to fly with only four passengers when it can easily accommodate six people, government officials said. The chief minister emerged unharmed from the incident. Fadnavis' aircraft have had had issues earlier too, including a helicopter crash in Latur this May. (With inputs from PTI)

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis' chopper 'overloaded', force-lands

Six crew members of a Pakistani government helicopter which crash-landed in Afghanistan&#39;s volatile east have been released, an official said today, after they were taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. 
 
The crew &quot;was released in an inter-tribe exchange on the Pakistan-Afghan border (and) arrived in Islamabad today,&quot; foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in a statement. 
 
He did not specify who had been holding the crew hostage nor what kind of exchange had secured their release. 
 
All six people - five Pakistanis and a Russian navigator - are &quot;safe and in good health,&quot; he said, adding that the helicopter belonged to the Punjab provincial government. 
 
A senior Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the crew&#39;s safe return. 
 
After the August 4 crash, local authorities in Afghanistan said that the six-person crew had been taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. 
 
Militants set the Mi-17 transport helicopter on fire and took the crew to a Taliban-controlled area after it made an emergency landing in Logar province. 
 
The crew included retired Pakistani military officers and a Russian navigator, Pakistan&#39;s Dawn newspaper reported at the time. 
 
Pakistan had sought permission to fly a helicopter - being sent to Russia for overhauling - over Afghan air space. 
 
Pakistani army chief general Raheel Sharif said he had spoken to Afghanistan&#39;s President Ashraf Ghani after the crash in a bid to secure the crew&#39;s release. 
 
&quot;President Ashraf Ghani assured all possible assistance in this regard,&quot; he posted on Twitter. 
 
Kabul has long accused Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and continuing to nurture sanctuaries on its soil in the hope of maintaining influence in Afghanistan. 
 
Analysts said it was not clear how the Pakistan government had secured the crew&#39;s safe release. 
 
&quot;Our government is tight-lipped while the army also did not say anything about the role of the Afghan government,&quot; security analyst Hasan Askari told AFP. 
 
The Afghan Taliban have not commented on the conditions of the release. 
 
&quot;One thing is however, very clear - that Afghan Taliban certainly do not want to deteriorate their ties with Pakistan,&quot; Askari said. 
 
Askari questioned why the MI-17 was being send to Russia for repairs through Afghan airspace. 
 
&quot;It appeared to be kind of a mysterious exercise,&quot; he added. 
 
Pakistan&#39;s army uses Russian-made MI-17 helicopters, several of which have crashed in recent years. 
 
In February, an army officer was killed when a military helicopter crashed in northern Pakistan on a routine night training mission. 
 
Last August, 12 people were killed when a helicopter belonging to the army crashed in northwest Pakistan. 
 
And seven people - including two foreign ambassadors - died in May last year when an MI-17 army helicopter crashed at a holiday resort in the hills of Gilgit. 
 
(AFP)

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman did not specify who had been holding the crew hostage nor what kind of exchange secured their release

Six crew members of a Pakistani government helicopter which crash-landed in Afghanistan's volatile east have been released, an official said today, after they were taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. The crew "was released in an inter-tribe exchange on the Pakistan-Afghan border (and) arrived in Islamabad today," foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in a statement. He did not specify who had been holding the crew hostage nor what kind of exchange had secured their release. All six people - five Pakistanis and a Russian navigator - are "safe and in good health," he said, adding that the helicopter belonged to the Punjab provincial government. A senior Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the crew's safe return. After the August 4 crash, local authorities in Afghanistan said that the six-person crew had been taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. Militants set the Mi-17 transport helicopter on fire and took the crew to a Taliban-controlled area after it made an emergency landing in Logar province. The crew included retired Pakistani military officers and a Russian navigator, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported at the time. Pakistan had sought permission to fly a helicopter - being sent to Russia for overhauling - over Afghan air space. Pakistani army chief general Raheel Sharif said he had spoken to Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani after the crash in a bid to secure the crew's release. "President Ashraf Ghani assured all possible assistance in this regard," he posted on Twitter. Kabul has long accused Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and continuing to nurture sanctuaries on its soil in the hope of maintaining influence in Afghanistan. Analysts said it was not clear how the Pakistan government had secured the crew's safe release. "Our government is tight-lipped while the army also did not say anything about the role of the Afghan government," security analyst Hasan Askari told AFP. The Afghan Taliban have not commented on the conditions of the release. "One thing is however, very clear - that Afghan Taliban certainly do not want to deteriorate their ties with Pakistan," Askari said. Askari questioned why the MI-17 was being send to Russia for repairs through Afghan airspace. "It appeared to be kind of a mysterious exercise," he added. Pakistan's army uses Russian-made MI-17 helicopters, several of which have crashed in recent years. In February, an army officer was killed when a military helicopter crashed in northern Pakistan on a routine night training mission. Last August, 12 people were killed when a helicopter belonging to the army crashed in northwest Pakistan. And seven people - including two foreign ambassadors - died in May last year when an MI-17 army helicopter crashed at a holiday resort in the hills of Gilgit. (AFP)

More than a week after chopper crash, Afghan Taliban free Pakistan crew

chopper

Chopper, News on Chopper, stories on Chopper, articles on Chopper, Chopper stories at Wion, Chopper news, Chopper latest news