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Ebrahim Raisi news: Raisi's chopper crashed on the way back from visit to Azerbaijan

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Ebrahim Raisi Helicopter Crash: World leaders condole death of Ebrahim Raisi

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Iran VP MD Mokhber to be Interim President - South Africa top court bars Zuma's candidacy - Nepal PM wins vote of confidence - Iran's President Raisi killed in chopper crash - World leaders express condolences on Raisi's death

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi along with Iranian Foreign Minister have been killed in chopper crash. The fateful incident occurred after more than 12 hours of search and rescue operations. The death has sent shockwaves around the globe. The pertinent question what happens next.

Ebrahim Raisi Helicopter Crash: President Raisi and 8 other killed in chopper crash

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<p>Israel on Monday (May 20) denied any involvement in the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, an Israeli official, who chose to remain anonymous, said,&nbsp;"It&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;us."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raisi,&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;Foreign Minister&nbsp;Hossein Amirabdollahian, and other Iranian officials&nbsp;were killed&nbsp;in a helicopter crash&nbsp;in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border. Raisi,&nbsp;a hardliner seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was 63 years old at&nbsp;the time of&nbsp;his death.</p>

<h2><strong>No official response from Israel yet</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli government has officially not commented on&nbsp;Raisi's&nbsp;death yet. This comment by the Israeli official to Reuters comes as both countries are in a proxy war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi-helicopter-crash-live-updates-no-survivors-found-at-sight-of-wreckage-723258">Click here to follow all updates on the death of Ebrahim Raisi</a></strong></p>

<p>In April, Iran launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel in response to an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Syria that killed&nbsp;Iranian generals and five officers. The two countries have waged a&nbsp;shadow war of covert operations and cyberattacks for years, but the exchange of fire in April was their first direct military confrontation, the news agency Associated Press reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For a long time, Israel has viewed Iran as its greatest threat because of&nbsp;Tehran's&nbsp;controversial nuclear program,&nbsp;its ballistic missiles and its support for armed groups&nbsp;including&nbsp;the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Conspiracy circulates online over&nbsp;Raisi's&nbsp;death</strong></h2>

<p>Following the announcement of the deaths of Raisi,&nbsp;Amirabdollahian, and other passengers and crew onboard the helicopter, a conspiracy theory started circulating online that Israeli intelligence agency Mossad was behind the crash.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebrahim-raisi-no-more-pm-modi-russias-putin-other-world-leaders-remember-late-iranian-president-723437">Ebrahim Raisi no more: PM Modi, Russia's Putin, other world leaders remember late Iranian president</a></strong></p>

<p>In a post on X, media personality Ari Hoffman clarified that this was fake news.</p>

<p>"Hamas Telegram has picked up a joke that&nbsp;Raisi's&nbsp;pilot was a Mossad agent called Eli Copter and is pushing it as fact. These are the same geniuses that the mainstream media has been getting casualty numbers from for&nbsp;7&nbsp;months and publishing them without verification,"&nbsp;Hoffman said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My French is pretty terrible but it sounds like this French anchor picked up the false report from Hamas that a Mossad agent named “Eli Copter” was likely involved in the helicopter crash which killed Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi<br />
<br />
The media is so eager to blame Israel for… <a href="https://t.co/HHSIg9SFlJ">https://t.co/HHSIg9SFlJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/bC9zunJt33">pic.twitter.com/bC9zunJt33</a></p>
— Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehoffather/status/1792432166812676600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"My French is pretty terrible&nbsp;but&nbsp;it sounds like this French anchor picked up the false report from Hamas that a Mossad agent named&nbsp;“Eli Copter”&nbsp;was likely involved in the helicopter crash which killed&nbsp;Iran’s&nbsp;President Ebrahim Raisi&nbsp;The&nbsp;media is so eager to blame Israel for everything they continue to push fake news,"&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Decoding Raisi's two-blade medium helicopter's capabilities</strong></p>

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<p>Hillel Fuld,&nbsp;a columnist, also confirmed on X that this is rumour.</p>

<p>"You LITERALLY cannot make this stuff up. Tons of people made the joke that the helicopter pilot was a Mossad agent called Eli Copter. Tons of Israel-haters&nbsp;including&nbsp;actual TV&nbsp;stations&nbsp;are reporting it like&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;a fact,"&nbsp;Fuld said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel on Monday (May 20) denied any involvement in the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, an Israeli official, who chose to remain anonymous, said, "It wasn't us.

Israel on Monday (May 20) denied any involvement in the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, an Israeli official, who chose to remain anonymous, said, "It wasn't us." Raisi, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and other Iranian officials were killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border. Raisi, a hardliner seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was 63 years old at the time of his death. No official response from Israel yet The Israeli government has officially not commented on Raisi's death yet. This comment by the Israeli official to Reuters comes as both countries are in a proxy war. Click here to follow all updates on the death of Ebrahim Raisi In April, Iran launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel in response to an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Syria that killed Iranian generals and five officers. The two countries have waged a shadow war of covert operations and cyberattacks for years, but the exchange of fire in April was their first direct military confrontation, the news agency Associated Press reported. For a long time, Israel has viewed Iran as its greatest threat because of Tehran's controversial nuclear program, its ballistic missiles and its support for armed groups including the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Conspiracy circulates online over Raisi's death Following the announcement of the deaths of Raisi, Amirabdollahian, and other passengers and crew onboard the helicopter, a conspiracy theory started circulating online that Israeli intelligence agency Mossad was behind the crash. Also read | Ebrahim Raisi no more: PM Modi, Russia's Putin, other world leaders remember late Iranian president In a post on X, media personality Ari Hoffman clarified that this was fake news. "Hamas Telegram has picked up a joke that Raisi's pilot was a Mossad agent called Eli Copter and is pushing it as fact. These are the same geniuses that the mainstream media has been getting casualty numbers from for 7 months and publishing them without verification," Hoffman said. My French is pretty terrible but it sounds like this French anchor picked up the false report from Hamas that a Mossad agent named “Eli Copter” was likely involved in the helicopter crash which killed Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi The media is so eager to blame Israel for… https://t.co/HHSIg9SFlJ pic.twitter.com/bC9zunJt33 — Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) May 20, 2024 × "My French is pretty terrible but it sounds like this French anchor picked up the false report from Hamas that a Mossad agent named “Eli Copter” was likely involved in the helicopter crash which killed Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi The media is so eager to blame Israel for everything they continue to push fake news," he added. Also watch | Decoding Raisi's two-blade medium helicopter's capabilities × Hillel Fuld, a columnist, also confirmed on X that this is rumour. "You LITERALLY cannot make this stuff up. Tons of people made the joke that the helicopter pilot was a Mossad agent called Eli Copter. Tons of Israel-haters including actual TV stations are reporting it like it’s a fact," Fuld said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ebrahim Raisi death: It wasn't us, says Israel on Iran president's chopper crash

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and 8 others died in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain and icy weather, Iranian officials confirmed on Monday after search teams located the wreckage. Ebrahim Raisi has been president of the Islamic Republic since June 2021 succeeding the moderate Hassan Rouhani for a term during which Iran has faced crisis and conflict we take a look at the profile on his political legacy. Watch in for more details!

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Ebrahim Raisi Helicopter Crash: Iran President Raisi dead in chopper crash

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Iran VP MD Mokhber to be Interim President - South Africa top court bars Zuma's candidacy - Nepal PM wins vote of confidence - Iran's President Raisi killed in chopper crash - World leaders express condolences

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<p>King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia is receiving treatment for lung inflammation at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, reports said citing the state news agency. The 88-year-old, who ascended the throne in 2015 following the death of his half-brother King Abdullah,&nbsp;will be administered antibiotics until his condition improves. This comes after King Salman on Sunday (May 19) underwent medical tests at the royal clinics at Al Salam Palace due to fever and joint pain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This follows a routine checkup in April when he was last admitted to the hospital.</p>

<p>As a result of the king's health situation, his 38-year-old son and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (commonly referred by his initials MBS) has postponed his visit to Japan, where&nbsp;he was scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the emperor Naruhito.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-launches-anti-dumping-probe-on-pom-copolymers-723439">China launches anti-dumping probe on POM copolymers</a></p>

<p>This was supposed to be his first visit to Japan since 2019.</p>

<p>Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the postponement, stating, "Saudi Arabia informed the Japanese government that due to the health condition of King Salman of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed's visit to Japan, which had been scheduled to begin on the 20th, had to be postponed."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-blocks-biden-administrations-effort-to-close-gun-show-loophole-in-texas-723410">Judge blocks Biden administration's effort to close 'gun show loophole' in Texas</a></p>

<p>The crown prince had planned the trip from May 20-23.&nbsp;According to the latest royal statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), tests conducted on Sunday revealed a "lung infection".</p>

<p>The health of the monarch is not often publicly discussed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebrahim-raisi-news-decoding-raisis-two-blade-medium-helicopters-capabilities-723406">Ebrahim Raisi News: Decoding Raisi's two-blade medium helicopter's capabilities</a></strong></p>

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<p>However, in April this year, the Royal Court announced that he had been admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital for routine check-ups and was discharged the same day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>King Salman had his gall bladder removed in 2020.</p>

<h2><strong>Hospitalisation for Colonoscopy</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, his last hospitalisation was in May 2022 for a colonoscopy, where he stayed for a little over a week for further tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2017, Riyadh dismissed increasing speculation that the king intended to abdicate in favour of Prince Mohammed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before becoming king, King Salman served for decades as the governor of Riyadh and later as the defence minister.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia is receiving treatment for lung inflammation at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, reports said citing the state news agency.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia is receiving treatment for lung inflammation at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, reports said citing the state news agency. The 88-year-old, who ascended the throne in 2015 following the death of his half-brother King Abdullah, will be administered antibiotics until his condition improves. This comes after King Salman on Sunday (May 19) underwent medical tests at the royal clinics at Al Salam Palace due to fever and joint pain. This follows a routine checkup in April when he was last admitted to the hospital. As a result of the king's health situation, his 38-year-old son and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (commonly referred by his initials MBS) has postponed his visit to Japan, where he was scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the emperor Naruhito. Also Read | China launches anti-dumping probe on POM copolymers This was supposed to be his first visit to Japan since 2019. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the postponement, stating, "Saudi Arabia informed the Japanese government that due to the health condition of King Salman of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed's visit to Japan, which had been scheduled to begin on the 20th, had to be postponed." Also Read | Judge blocks Biden administration's effort to close 'gun show loophole' in Texas The crown prince had planned the trip from May 20-23. According to the latest royal statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), tests conducted on Sunday revealed a "lung infection". The health of the monarch is not often publicly discussed. Watch | Ebrahim Raisi News: Decoding Raisi's two-blade medium helicopter's capabilities × However, in April this year, the Royal Court announced that he had been admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital for routine check-ups and was discharged the same day. King Salman had his gall bladder removed in 2020. Hospitalisation for Colonoscopy Previously, his last hospitalisation was in May 2022 for a colonoscopy, where he stayed for a little over a week for further tests. In 2017, Riyadh dismissed increasing speculation that the king intended to abdicate in favour of Prince Mohammed. Before becoming king, King Salman served for decades as the governor of Riyadh and later as the defence minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi King Salman undergoes treatment for lung inflammation, Crown Prince postpones Japan visit

<p>South Africa's constitutional court ruled on Monday (May 20) that former president Jacob Zuma is ineligible to be elected a member of the National Assembly in next week's general election.</p>

<p>The top court threw out Zuma's complaint against an electoral commission decision that a previous conviction for contempt prevents him from becoming a Member of Parliament.</p>

<p>The constitutional court upheld that Zuma's 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021 disqualified him from standing in the May 29 election.</p>

<p>South Africa's constitution prohibits anyone given a prison sentence of 12 months or longer from holding a parliamentary seat.</p>

<p>"It is declared that Mr. Zuma was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months' imprisonment, ... and is accordingly not eligible to be a member of, and not qualified to stand for election to, the National Assembly," the court ruling said.</p>

<p>Zuma was forced to quit as president in 2018. He&nbsp;has fallen out with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and has been campaigning for a new party called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) named after the ANC's former armed wing.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean for South Africa's politics?</strong></h2>

<p>Opinion polls suggest that while African National Congress, in power for 30 years, may emerge as the biggest party, it will still be short of&nbsp;majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Zuma's home province of KwaZulu-Natal, he remains popular and poses a threat to the ANC.</p>

<p>In 2021, Zuma's jailing triggered riots in KwaZulu-Natal in which more than 300 people died and which morphed into a wider spate of looting.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;South Africa Elections 2024: Can Jacob Zuma and his MK Party unseat the ANC?</strong></p>

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<p>Asked about the potential for violence in the wake of the constitutional court ruling during an interview with local radio station 702, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: "I'm not concerned about this instigating violence."</p>

<p>"We have rule of law in South Africa that governs us. Once a constitutional court has decided, that is it and should there be any threat of violence our security forces are ready," he said.</p>

<p>South Africa's electoral commission originally disqualified Zuma in March.<br />
<br />
However a month later, a court overturned the disqualification saying the relevant section of the constitution applied only to people who had a chance to appeal against their sentences, which had not been Zuma's case.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


South Africa's constitutional court ruled on Monday (May 20) that former president Jacob Zuma is ineligible to be elected a member of the National Assembly in next week's general election.

South Africa's constitutional court ruled on Monday (May 20) that former president Jacob Zuma is ineligible to be elected a member of the National Assembly in next week's general election. The top court threw out Zuma's complaint against an electoral commission decision that a previous conviction for contempt prevents him from becoming a Member of Parliament. The constitutional court upheld that Zuma's 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021 disqualified him from standing in the May 29 election. South Africa's constitution prohibits anyone given a prison sentence of 12 months or longer from holding a parliamentary seat. "It is declared that Mr. Zuma was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months' imprisonment, ... and is accordingly not eligible to be a member of, and not qualified to stand for election to, the National Assembly," the court ruling said. Zuma was forced to quit as president in 2018. He has fallen out with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and has been campaigning for a new party called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) named after the ANC's former armed wing. What does it mean for South Africa's politics? Opinion polls suggest that while African National Congress, in power for 30 years, may emerge as the biggest party, it will still be short of majority. In Zuma's home province of KwaZulu-Natal, he remains popular and poses a threat to the ANC. In 2021, Zuma's jailing triggered riots in KwaZulu-Natal in which more than 300 people died and which morphed into a wider spate of looting. Also watch | South Africa Elections 2024: Can Jacob Zuma and his MK Party unseat the ANC? × Asked about the potential for violence in the wake of the constitutional court ruling during an interview with local radio station 702, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: "I'm not concerned about this instigating violence." "We have rule of law in South Africa that governs us. Once a constitutional court has decided, that is it and should there be any threat of violence our security forces are ready," he said. South Africa's electoral commission originally disqualified Zuma in March. However a month later, a court overturned the disqualification saying the relevant section of the constitution applied only to people who had a chance to appeal against their sentences, which had not been Zuma's case. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa's top court declares former President Zuma ineligible for election

Watch top headlines of the hour: - South Africa top court bars Zuma's candidacy - Nepal PM wins vote of confidence - Iran's President Raisi killed in chopper crash - World leaders express condolences

South Africa top court bars Zuma's candidacy | Nepal PM wins vote of confidence

Ebrahim Raisi news: Iran President Raisi & eight others killed in chopper crash in Iran

<p>Separatists in riot-hit New Caledonia refused Monday to abandon road blocks that have paralysed the Pacific archipelago for a week in defiance of a major security operation by French forces.</p>

<p>France has sent 1,000 security forces to its overseas territory that has been rocked by seven nights of violence that have left six dead, including two gendarmes, and hundreds injured.</p>

<p>President Emmanuel Macron prepared to chair a new meeting of his defence and security council on Monday.</p>

<p>The latest unrest in the Pacific territory of 270,000 people erupted over French plans to impose new rules that would give tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents voting rights.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protestors-block-new-caledonia-roads-as-french-police-pour-in-723364">Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in</a></strong></p>

<p>Some 600 heavily armed French police and paramilitaries "neutralised" 76 road blocks on the 60-kilometre (40-mile) route between the capital Noumea and La Tontouta International Airport, officials said.</p>

<p>But pro-independence, largely indigenous Kanak activists, vowed they would not give up. AFP journalists said some road blocks taken down by security forces were being rebuilt even bigger by pro-independence forces.</p>

<p>A pickup truck drove through one Noumea suburb with about 10 masked and hooded men wielding machetes, AFP correspondents saw.</p>

<p>Anti-riot blast balls, often used to release tear gas or pepper spray, could be heard in one Noumea suburb. Fire reduced one construction firm's building to cinders.</p>

<p>"It feels like being in The Walking Dead," said local post office director Thomas de Deckker, referring to the post-apocalyptic zombie television series.</p>

<p>"We have no visibility of when we will have security again," he told AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>Airport to remain closed</strong></h2>

<p>Noumea airport will remain closed to commercial flights until Thursday despite requests from Australia and New Zealand to evacuate their nationals, the airport managers said.</p>

<p>Military aircraft carrying the remains of two gendarmes killed in New Caledonia landed in France early Monday.</p>

<p>Hailing Sunday's operation as a "success", the French government office in New Caledonia said forces would remove burned-out vehicles littering the key airport route for essential food and material supplies.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Is France losing control over New Caledonia?</strong></p>

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<p>But the Ground Action Coordination Cell, or CCAT, said it was "maintaining" barricades in place. Some CCAT leaders are under house arrest on suspicion of organising the troubles.</p>

<p>Roadblocks would be closed to all vehicles during night curfews except for health emergencies and firefighters, the group said in a statement.</p>

<p>Indigenous Kanaks had suffered from discrimination for too long, it said. The group insisted it sought a peaceful resolution but criticised the French "colonial state" plan to expand voting rights.</p>

<h2><strong>'The islands are on fire'</strong></h2>

<p>"The islands are on fire, for sure, but we have to remember that they tried to be heard for a long time and it led to nothing," said one resident, Laloua Savea.</p>

<p>"It had to degenerate for the state to see us, for the politicians to see us," she said.</p>

<p>Authorities say about 230 people have been detained while an estimated 3,200 people are stuck in New Caledonia or unable to return to the archipelago, which lies more than 1,000 kilometres (800 miles) east of Australia.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is considering extending the state of emergency -- under which the curfew was imposed and TikTok banned -- beyond its initial 12 days. That would require the approval of both houses in the French parliament.</p>

<p>On Monday, the New Caledonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) said the troubles had caused "catastrophic" economic damage. It said 150 businesses have been "looted and set on fire."</p>

<h2><strong>Divide over vote reform</strong></h2>

<p>New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Almost two centuries on, its politics remain dominated by debate about whether the islands should be part of France, autonomous or independent -- with opinions split roughly along ethnic lines.</p>

<p>Indigenous Kanaks make up about 40 per cent of the population but tend to be poorer. Kanak groups say the latest voting regulations would dilute the indigenous vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government heads in four other French overseas territories -- La Reunion in the Indian Ocean, Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean and French Guiana in South America -- on Sunday called for the voting reform to be withdrawn.</p>

<p>Civil liberties groups have challenged the TikTok ban, with a hearing scheduled at France's top administrative court in Paris for Tuesday.</p>


Separatists in riot-hit New Caledonia refused Monday to abandon road blocks that have paralysed the Pacific archipelago for a week in defiance of a major security operation by French forces.

Separatists in riot-hit New Caledonia refused Monday to abandon road blocks that have paralysed the Pacific archipelago for a week in defiance of a major security operation by French forces. France has sent 1,000 security forces to its overseas territory that has been rocked by seven nights of violence that have left six dead, including two gendarmes, and hundreds injured. President Emmanuel Macron prepared to chair a new meeting of his defence and security council on Monday. The latest unrest in the Pacific territory of 270,000 people erupted over French plans to impose new rules that would give tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents voting rights. Also read | Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in Some 600 heavily armed French police and paramilitaries "neutralised" 76 road blocks on the 60-kilometre (40-mile) route between the capital Noumea and La Tontouta International Airport, officials said. But pro-independence, largely indigenous Kanak activists, vowed they would not give up. AFP journalists said some road blocks taken down by security forces were being rebuilt even bigger by pro-independence forces. A pickup truck drove through one Noumea suburb with about 10 masked and hooded men wielding machetes, AFP correspondents saw. Anti-riot blast balls, often used to release tear gas or pepper spray, could be heard in one Noumea suburb. Fire reduced one construction firm's building to cinders. "It feels like being in The Walking Dead," said local post office director Thomas de Deckker, referring to the post-apocalyptic zombie television series. "We have no visibility of when we will have security again," he told AFP. Airport to remain closed Noumea airport will remain closed to commercial flights until Thursday despite requests from Australia and New Zealand to evacuate their nationals, the airport managers said. Military aircraft carrying the remains of two gendarmes killed in New Caledonia landed in France early Monday. Hailing Sunday's operation as a "success", the French government office in New Caledonia said forces would remove burned-out vehicles littering the key airport route for essential food and material supplies. Also watch | Gravitas | Is France losing control over New Caledonia? × But the Ground Action Coordination Cell, or CCAT, said it was "maintaining" barricades in place. Some CCAT leaders are under house arrest on suspicion of organising the troubles. Roadblocks would be closed to all vehicles during night curfews except for health emergencies and firefighters, the group said in a statement. Indigenous Kanaks had suffered from discrimination for too long, it said. The group insisted it sought a peaceful resolution but criticised the French "colonial state" plan to expand voting rights. 'The islands are on fire' "The islands are on fire, for sure, but we have to remember that they tried to be heard for a long time and it led to nothing," said one resident, Laloua Savea. "It had to degenerate for the state to see us, for the politicians to see us," she said. Authorities say about 230 people have been detained while an estimated 3,200 people are stuck in New Caledonia or unable to return to the archipelago, which lies more than 1,000 kilometres (800 miles) east of Australia. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is considering extending the state of emergency -- under which the curfew was imposed and TikTok banned -- beyond its initial 12 days. That would require the approval of both houses in the French parliament. On Monday, the New Caledonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) said the troubles had caused "catastrophic" economic damage. It said 150 businesses have been "looted and set on fire." Divide over vote reform New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s. Almost two centuries on, its politics remain dominated by debate about whether the islands should be part of France, autonomous or independent -- with opinions split roughly along ethnic lines. Indigenous Kanaks make up about 40 per cent of the population but tend to be poorer. Kanak groups say the latest voting regulations would dilute the indigenous vote. The government heads in four other French overseas territories -- La Reunion in the Indian Ocean, Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean and French Guiana in South America -- on Sunday called for the voting reform to be withdrawn. Civil liberties groups have challenged the TikTok ban, with a hearing scheduled at France's top administrative court in Paris for Tuesday.

New Caledonia separatists resist French efforts to unblock roads

<p>A federal judge in the US has temporarily blocked the Biden administration from fully implementing a new regulation, finalised last month to close the "gun show loophole" that appeared to ease license norms. The regulation was aimed at ensuring that those selling firearms at gun shows, online, and other venues must follow the same licensing and background check requirements as traditional gun stores.</p>

<p>The ruling, issued by US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, Texas, prevented the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from enforcing the rule in Texas&nbsp;or against members of several gun rights groups.</p>

<p>Texas Attorney General Paxton, a Republican, said in a statement, "I am relieved that we were able to secure a restraining order that will prevent this illegal rule from taking effect."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit against the April ruling by the Biden administration was filed by Texas, several gun rights groups, and three other Republican-led states.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-sues-american-airlines-after-sons-death-on-flight-723388">Mother sues American Airlines after son's death on flight</a></p>

<p>The judge ruled that the new rule's provisions contradict the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act&nbsp;(BSCA), 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Specifically, the judge criticised the rule for not exempting individuals who buy or sell firearms for personal protection, thus failing to provide a "safe harbour" for most gun owners.</p>

<p>Attorney General Merrick Garland defended the regulation during an April 10 press briefing.&nbsp;“Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or in a brick-and-mortar store,” Garland said, adding, “If you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed and you must conduct background checks.”</p>

<h2><strong>Rule aims to close fire sale loophole</strong></h2>

<p>The new rule also aims to address the fire sale loophole.</p>

<p>Normally, federally licensed firearms dealers are required to perform background checks on all gun buyers to ensure they are legally permitted to purchase firearms.</p>

<p>However, under fire sale loophole, when a dealer loses their license or decides to close their business, they can liquidate their stock as private individuals, thereby bypassing these mandatory checks.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-presidents-last-image-aboard-helicopter-emerges-moments-before-fatal-crash-723393">Iranian president's last image aboard helicopter emerges moments before fatal crash</a></p>

<p>This change follows a zero-tolerance policy on lawbreaking gun dealers implemented by the Biden administration in 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebrahim-raisi-news-a-look-at-irans-president-ebrahim-raisis-life-723400">Ebrahim Raisi news: A look at Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi's life</a></strong></p>

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<p>The issue of gun violence remains pressing, with the Gun Violence Archive reporting at least 40,167 deaths from gun violence in the US as of December 7, 2023, averaging nearly 118 deaths per day.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A federal judge in the US has temporarily blocked the Biden administration from fully implementing a new regulation, finalised last month to close the "gun show loophole" that appeared to ease license norms.

A federal judge in the US has temporarily blocked the Biden administration from fully implementing a new regulation, finalised last month to close the "gun show loophole" that appeared to ease license norms. The regulation was aimed at ensuring that those selling firearms at gun shows, online, and other venues must follow the same licensing and background check requirements as traditional gun stores. The ruling, issued by US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, Texas, prevented the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from enforcing the rule in Texas or against members of several gun rights groups. Texas Attorney General Paxton, a Republican, said in a statement, "I am relieved that we were able to secure a restraining order that will prevent this illegal rule from taking effect." The plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit against the April ruling by the Biden administration was filed by Texas, several gun rights groups, and three other Republican-led states. Also Read | Mother sues American Airlines after son's death on flight The judge ruled that the new rule's provisions contradict the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), 2022. Specifically, the judge criticised the rule for not exempting individuals who buy or sell firearms for personal protection, thus failing to provide a "safe harbour" for most gun owners. Attorney General Merrick Garland defended the regulation during an April 10 press briefing. “Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or in a brick-and-mortar store,” Garland said, adding, “If you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed and you must conduct background checks.” Rule aims to close fire sale loophole The new rule also aims to address the fire sale loophole. Normally, federally licensed firearms dealers are required to perform background checks on all gun buyers to ensure they are legally permitted to purchase firearms. However, under fire sale loophole, when a dealer loses their license or decides to close their business, they can liquidate their stock as private individuals, thereby bypassing these mandatory checks. Also Read | Iranian president's last image aboard helicopter emerges moments before fatal crash This change follows a zero-tolerance policy on lawbreaking gun dealers implemented by the Biden administration in 2021. Watch | Ebrahim Raisi news: A look at Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi's life × The issue of gun violence remains pressing, with the Gun Violence Archive reporting at least 40,167 deaths from gun violence in the US as of December 7, 2023, averaging nearly 118 deaths per day. (With inputs from agencies)

US judge blocks Biden administration's effort to close 'gun show loophole' in Texas

Blue origin successfully launched a six person crew to space after a 2-year hiatus called Mission NS25 - this is the seventh human flight for Blue Origin - a company owned by tech billionaire Jeff Bezos.

Blue Origin completes 25th mission to space | Gopi Thotakura makes history

Iranian President Embrahim Raisi along with Iranian Foreign Minister have been killed in chopper crash. The fateful incident occurred after more than 12 hours of search and rescue operations. The death has sent shockwaves around the globe. The pertinent question what happens next.

Ebrahim Raisi Helicopter Crash: Raisi killed in chopper crash

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