Russian Cargo Plane Downed in Sudan Amid Ongoing Conflict

Published

2 months ago

October 22, 2024

RTX

Khartoum, Sudan – Russia’s embassy in Sudan is investigating reports that a cargo plane with a Russian crew was shot down in Darfur, where intense fighting continues between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The plane, identified as a Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76, was reportedly delivering equipment and medicine to the army-held city of El-Fasher, according to military sources cited by Sudanese media.

On Monday, the RSF claimed responsibility for downing a Russian-made plane, initially identified as an Antonov, accusing it of being flown by the Egyptian military and targeting civilians. Egypt, however, denies allegations of providing military support to Sudan’s army during the ongoing 18-month conflict.

The civil war between Sudan’s military and the RSF erupted in April 2023, triggering what the United Nations has described as one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The conflict has resulted in an estimated 150,000 deaths and displaced over 10 million people, according to the UN and reports from international observers.

Conflicting Reports on the Downed Aircraft

Details surrounding the downed aircraft remain unclear. The Russian embassy in Khartoum confirmed it is working with Sudan’s military-led government to gather more information about the incident. Reports from the Sudan Tribune suggest that all crew members, including three Sudanese nationals and two Russians, were killed in the crash near the Malha area, close to the border with Chad. However, this information has yet to be independently verified.

El-Fasher, a key stronghold for the Sudanese army in western Darfur, has been under sustained attack from the RSF since April. The RSF claims to have retrieved the plane’s black box and seized documents related to the plane and its mission.

Footage circulating online, allegedly from the crash site, shows RSF soldiers with identification documents next to the wreckage. Among the items were a Russian passport, a job identification card from Manas Airport in Kyrgyzstan, and two South African driver’s licenses linked to a single individual. Preliminary analysis suggests the individual may have been a Russian military academy graduate residing in South Africa.

One video, purportedly from the crash scene, shows an RSF fighter holding a 50-rouble Russian note, though the authenticity of the footage remains uncertain.

Ongoing Conflict and Escalating Violence

Reports are conflicting as to the cause of the crash. Some suggest a technical fault, while both the Sudanese military and the RSF claim the plane was shot down. There are also indications that the aircraft may have been mistakenly targeted due to its alleged affiliation with an airline previously linked to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE denies any involvement in arming the RSF, although the United Nations has cited credible evidence suggesting otherwise.

The downing of the plane comes as fighting intensifies in Sudan, particularly around the capital, Khartoum. The RSF controls much of the city, while the military has stepped up airstrikes. In the RSF-held city of Wad Madani, over 50 people have been killed since Sunday, with local activists accusing the military of using banned barrel bombs in civilian areas.

Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between the rival forces have so far failed, leaving Sudan’s humanitarian crisis unresolved and the violence escalating.

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Prime Minister Starmer to Attend EU Security Summit Amid Tensions and Uncertainty

Published

4 hours ago

December 29, 2024

RTX

In early 2025, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend an informal summit of European Union (EU) leaders, marking the first invitation extended to the UK since the tense Brexit negotiations. The summit, scheduled for February, will focus on future security and defense cooperation, reflecting Europe’s growing concerns over the volatile global landscape.

The meeting’s backdrop is a world embroiled in conflict, with ongoing wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Russia, with backing from Iran, North Korea, and China, continues its aggressive actions against Ukraine, while the potential re-election of Donald Trump in the United States raises new anxieties. Trump’s threats to impose punitive tariffs on imports and his suggestion of withdrawing from NATO—a cornerstone of Western security—have heightened concerns in both the EU and the UK. These global uncertainties have underscored the importance of EU-UK collaboration in preserving security and trade stability.

For the EU, the loss of the UK after Brexit was a blow, stripping the bloc of a significant economy and its only major military power aside from France. The UK, meanwhile, while no longer bound by EU regulations, finds itself with reduced influence on the world stage. However, under Labour’s leadership, the UK has acknowledged the importance of a strong relationship with Europe, especially in addressing key domestic priorities such as the economy, defense, and migration.

Mark Leonard, director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, emphasized that Europe remains central to the Labour government’s success. “The economy, defence, migration… there’s a European element to all of this,” he said. “Things which will make a success of this government are tied up with Europe.”

Labour has repeatedly pledged an “ambitious reset” in EU-UK relations, and there has been notable diplomatic activity since their election victory. Foreign Secretary David Lammy attended an EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Chancellor Rachel Reeves spoke at an EU finance ministers’ summit, and Starmer himself met with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.

Despite this goodwill, skepticism persists in Brussels. While EU figures express a desire for closer UK relations, they remain uncertain about the UK’s position on key issues. One anonymous EU diplomat noted, “The headspace is there. The appetite is there in Europe for closer UK relations. What’s less clear is what London is really interested in—and what trade-offs it’s willing to make to get there.”

As the UK and the EU prepare for a summit in the spring, the future of their relationship will depend on the UK’s willingness to engage in meaningful compromise, particularly on issues like trade and migration. With tensions still high, the outcome of the 2025 summit will be a pivotal moment in reshaping EU-UK ties.

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Deadliest Plane Crash in South Korean History Claims 179 Lives

Published

4 hours ago

December 29, 2024

RTX

A devastating plane crash in South Korea on Sunday morning has resulted in the deaths of 179 people, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in the country’s history. The Jeju Air flight, which was traveling from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in the southwest of the country.

The Boeing 737-800, which was carrying 181 people, went off the runway before colliding with a wall, erupting into flames. Two crew members were rescued from the wreckage, but all 175 passengers and four other crew members aboard the flight perished. The official death toll stands at 179, with five victims reported to be children under the age of 10. The youngest was a three-year-old boy, and the oldest was 78.

The flight, 7C2216, was initially scheduled to land at Muan around 9:00 AM local time. However, the plane was forced to hold off on its approach after air traffic control issued a warning about a potential bird strike, a common hazard for aircraft. Shortly after, the pilot called in a Mayday distress signal, requesting to land from the opposite direction.

A passenger aboard the flight reportedly messaged a relative, saying that a bird had become lodged in the plane’s wing, preventing a safe landing. Video footage from the scene shows the plane touching down without landing gear, skidding along the runway before crashing into a wall and bursting into flames.

Eyewitnesses described hearing a “loud bang” followed by explosions, and video footage showed smoke billowing from the wreckage. Rescue teams arrived quickly, but the crash site was difficult to navigate. Lee Jeong-hyun, chief of the Muan fire department, stated that the tail section of the plane was identifiable, but the rest of the aircraft was unrecognizable. Fire officials have indicated that the crash may have been caused by the bird strike and adverse weather conditions, though investigations are ongoing.

The flight’s voice and flight recorders have been recovered, which may provide further insight into the cause of the crash. Authorities confirmed that the head pilot had over 6,800 hours of flight experience and had been with Jeju Air since 2019.

The victims included 175 South Korean passengers and six crew members. Two Thai nationals were among those on board. Many of the passengers were likely returning from the Christmas holiday season in Thailand.

In response to the tragedy, acting President Choi Sang-mok declared a special disaster zone in Muan, providing government assistance to local authorities and the victims’ families. A period of national mourning has been declared for the next seven days, with flags at government offices lowered in remembrance.

Jeju Air has expressed its condolences and assured the public that the crash was not caused by maintenance issues. Boeing, the plane’s manufacturer, also offered condolences to the victims’ families. The airline’s CEO stated that Sunday’s crash was the only fatal accident in Jeju Air’s history since its founding in 2005.

The government is continuing its recovery efforts, with more than 1,500 emergency personnel deployed. Families of the victims are gathering at Muan Airport, where officials are reading the names of the deceased. Tents have been set up for bereaved families to grieve in private as they await further information.

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India Mourns Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at State Funeral

Published

1 day ago

December 28, 2024

RTX

India has bid farewell to one of its longest-serving prime ministers, Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. A state funeral was held on Saturday in New Delhi, attended by top leaders, foreign dignitaries, and citizens who gathered to honor his legacy.

Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was celebrated as the architect of India’s economic liberalization, a period that saw the country emerge as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. His tenure is remembered for significant reforms that helped lift millions out of poverty and transform the economic landscape.

The funeral ceremony, which included a 21-gun salute, was marked by a procession through the capital, with Singh’s coffin carried by an honor guard. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who referred to Singh as one of the country’s “most distinguished leaders,” was present at the ceremony, along with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and senior members of the Congress Party. Singh’s eldest daughter lit his funeral pyre at the crematorium.

Foreign dignitaries, including the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful, attended the funeral, paying tribute to the former leader. Following Singh’s death on Thursday night, the Indian government declared seven days of national mourning.

Prime Minister Modi expressed deep admiration for Singh, recalling his wisdom and humility during their interactions. He also acknowledged Singh’s efforts to improve the lives of millions. Opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was present at the funeral, described Singh as a “mentor and guide.”

Tributes poured in from global leaders, with U.S. President Joe Biden highlighting Singh’s “strategic vision and political courage,” which he said played a pivotal role in the unprecedented level of cooperation between India and the United States. “He was a true statesman, a dedicated public servant, and above all, a kind and humble person,” Biden stated.

Singh’s legacy is defined by his significant contributions to India’s economic growth, which began during his time as Finance Minister in 1991. He is remembered for his iconic statement, “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” in his first budget speech. As prime minister, Singh continued his economic reforms, solidifying India’s place on the global stage.

Singh also made history as the first Sikh to hold India’s top office and offered a formal apology in 2005 for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. However, his second term was marred by corruption allegations, which contributed to the Congress Party’s defeat in the 2014 elections.

Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era for Indian politics, and his contributions to the country’s development will not be forgotten.