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  • Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

    Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

    Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

    Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

     

    Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed Thursday to crush anybody who tries to divide Russian society as he hailed the effectiveness and unwavering loyalty of his country’s powerful law enforcement agencies.

     

    Putin has escalated a decades-long crackdown on civil society, independent media and opposition amid his military offensive in Ukraine, with dissent and criticism of the Kremlin outlawed and punishable by years-long prison sentences.

     

    “Those who try to intimidate people, to split our society, to play on religious or national feelings will never succeed,” Putin said in a video message posted by the Kremlin.

     

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    “Inevitable and just retribution awaits them,” he added.

     

    Russia regularly uses such language to describe those who oppose the Kremlin, including domestic critics who Moscow paints as being Western spies or puppets.

     

    Putin was marking Russia’s “Investigation Officers’ Day” and paid tribute to various Russian law enforcement agencies, including the Investigative Committee and the FSB security services, the successor to the Soviet-era KGB.

     

    “Investigators show unconditional loyalty to the Fatherland and our people,” Putin said.

     

    Critics of the Kremlin say Russia’s focus on investigating and prosecuting its domestic political opponents and rivals have left it blind to genuine security threats.

     

    In March, armed gunmen killed more than 140 at a Moscow concert hall in the country’s most deadly terror attack in almost two decades.

     

    The incident came just days after warnings from Western intelligence agencies that Putin publicly rejected as “blackmail” and an attempt to “destabilise our society”.

     

    The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, but Putin and other officials tried to link the massacre to Ukraine, without providing any evidence.

     

    Almost all of Putin’s main opponents are in jail or have fled into exile.

     

    Having stamped out dissent and passed strict military censorship laws that make criticism of the military illegal, Putin has repeatedly claimed Russian society is united behind his offensive on Ukraine.

     

     

  • Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others

    Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others

    Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others.

    Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others
    Sowore slams Nigerian Army for shutting Banex Plaza in Abuja over soldiers, traders’ clash

    Some rights activists, including Lagos natives under the aegis of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, Omoyele Sowore, and Aisha Yesufu, have criticised the use of the Oro festival to halt the planned national protest on August 1.

    They described this move as a huge joke and insisted that the protest would proceed as planned.

    The Oro festival has been trending on X (formerly Twitter) after a pro-Lagos social media page announced that the festival would take place during the planned nationwide protests from August 1 to 15, 2024.

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    The post read, “Attention residents and visitors of Lagos. Please be informed that the Oro festival will be observed in various communities across Lagos from the 1st of August to August 15. This traditional Yoruba cultural event involves significant rituals.”

    Reacting to this, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, through its Media Office, said, “This government is bastardizing our cultures and traditions. What business does the state government have with ‘Oro’ and for what purpose? Let’s assume that the protesters defy this, and we think they should. How will the state enforce it as such enforcement is tantamount to a restriction of their fundamental human rights of freedom of movement, association, etc.? Again, for the Oro festival, will the government declare a work-free week?

    “Government should separate our traditions from this impending madness. What will the government do to assuage the feelings of those who will not be able to conduct their legitimate business during this period of malaise that the government is getting into? Yoruba will regret this unconscionable act of the government hiding behind this spiritual and traditional act in trying to scuttle the protest. Can’t they find another means?”

    Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) wrote, “Oro festival in Lagos now allegedly scheduled for the first two weeks of August. The exact same period as the planned protests by the youths.”

    Aisha Yesufu Jibrilla (@ukocarter) reacted via her X page, “The prestigious Oro Festival is now a political tool. Y’all now understand why they tried to ban ‘Gangs of Lagos’ because it exposed them.”

    United Kingdom-based writer Abanikanda Olumoro said, “Why are you so particular about Lagos and not your own states where your indigeneship, by constitutional rights, is domiciled? The festival of masquerade does not last long. You should be ashamed because Lagos State owners and indigenes are poised and have resources to take back their State, and you cannot stop them. If Nigerians are staging a nationwide protest against bad governance in Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Gombe, Sokoto, etc., don’t think anyone will take you seriously to say it is a Lagos issue. No. It is a show for Nigeria being staged by Nigerians across tribes and religions. President Tinubu has begged them not to protest, but you have spoiled all of that because these Nigerians, from the information I receive daily, are not going back regardless of military and police forces you are deploying.”

  • Military Exploit: Military eliminates 106 terrorists, rescues 103 hostages in one week

    Military Exploit: Military eliminates 106 terrorists, rescues 103 hostages in one week

    Military eliminates 106 terrorists, rescues 103 hostages in one week

     

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops eliminated 106 terrorists, apprehended 164 others, and rescued 103 hostages in different operations across the country in the last week.

     

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while giving an update on the operations of the military across the country.

     

    Buba said the troops recovered 125 assorted weapons and 1,522 ammunition, comprising 41 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 24 locally fabricated guns, 28 Dane guns, and one pump action gun.

     

    He said the troops also recovered 755 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 623 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 102 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 63 live cartridges, and 247 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.

     

    “Others are 22 AK47 magazines, one Baofeng radio, 22 vehicles, 31 motorcycles, two bicycles, 10 mobile phones, and the sum of N2.9 million, amongst other items,’’ he said.

     

    In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded successes leading to the surrendering of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families within the week.

     

    He said a total of 1,760 BH/ISWAP terrorist fighters and family members, comprising 117 male adults, 345 adult females, and 628 children, surrendered within the week.

     

    According to him, troops neutralised 41 terrorists, arrested 27 suspects, rescued 16 kidnapped hostages, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.

     

    In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 12 insurgents, arrested 39 violent extremists, and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages within the week.

     

    He said the troops also recovered several arms and ammunition, comprising 21 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated pistols, 15 Dane guns, 285 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.

     

    In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 22 terrorists, arrested 23 terrorists, rescued 32 kidnapped hostages, and recovered a cache of arms.

     

    Under Operation Whirl Punch, he said the troops neutralised eight terrorists, arrested 20 suspects, and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages, as well as recovered arms and the sum of N2.9 million, amongst others.

     

    In the Niger Delta, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe had maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil thieves, destroying several illegal refining sites and recovering stolen products.

     

    He said the troops recovered 802,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 121,900 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 450 litres of DPK within the week.

     

    According to him, troops discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 24 boats, and 34 storage tanks, as well as 56 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 14 pumping machines, 18 drums, and 22 vehicles and motorcycles.

     

    He added that a total of 36 illegal refining sites were destroyed, while a total of 32 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists were apprehended in the region.

     

    In the South East, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised three terrorists, arrested 22 violent extremists, and rescued four kidnapped hostages.

     

    “Troops recovered one pump action gun, 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 23 cartridges, one Baofeng radio, and six mobile phones, among others.

     

    “All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action,’’ he said. (NAN)

     

     

  • US Politics: Kamala Harris: Why I passed the torch to a new generation – US President, Biden

    US Politics: Kamala Harris: Why I passed the torch to a new generation – US President, Biden

    Kamala Harris: Why I passed the torch to a new generation – US President, Biden

    Biden

    President of United States of America, Joe Biden has given reasons he endorsed the vice president, Kamala Harris, to become the next president after him.

     

    Speaking to Americans four days after he announced his withdrawal from US Presidential race, Biden said he passed the torch to a new generation to unite Americans, noting that saving the country’s democracy is beyond personal ambition.

     

    Eulogizing Kamala Harris, US President opined that she is experienced, tough and capable of ruling the country.

     

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    His words: My fellow Americans:

     

    It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your President. I draw strength and find joy in working for the people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about “We the People.”

     

    America is at an inflection point. We must choose between moving forward or backward. Between hope and hate. Between unity and division. We have to decide: Do we still believe in honesty, decency, and respect? Freedom, justice, and democracy?

     

    The sacred cause of our country is larger than any one of us. And those of us who cherish that cause—the cause of American democracy itself—must unite to protect it.

     

    Over the next six months, I will be focused on doing my job as President. That means I will continue to lower costs for hard-working families and grow our economy.

     

    I will keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights—from the right to vote to the right to choose.

     

    I will keep calling out hate and extremism, and make it clear there is no place in America for political violence—or for any violence—ever.

     

    I will keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence, and our planet from the climate crisis. Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy.

     

    And that includes personal ambition. So I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.

     

    In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice. And I would like to thank our great Vice President—@Kamala Harris.

     

    She’s experienced, tough, capable. She has been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country.

     

    I have been privileged to serve this nation for over 50 years. I have given my heart and my soul, like so many others have.

     

    And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people. I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you.

     

    The great thing about America is that here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.

     

    We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are. We are the UNITED States of America, and there is nothing beyond our capacity—when we do it together”.

     

     

  • Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events
    fubara
    …Police claim two-fighting

    By Davies Iheamnachor

    No fewer than three people were reportedly shot in Rivers State on Wednesday during an alleged attack on two state events in the state.

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    A yet to be identified baby had reportedly gone slide into unconsciousness after inhaling teargas shot by police operatives deployed to restore normalcy during the incident.

    It was alleged that supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, had attacked the two separate events organised by loyalists of Governor of the State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara.

    The states events were attacked at Omerelu Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area and Eliozu Community in Obio/Akpor LGA.

    It was gathered that some youths believed to be opposed to the current administration in the state alleged to be supporters of Hon. Martin Amaewhule, factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who loyal to Wike, had carried out the act.

    At Omerelu, it was learned that the Caretaker Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Darlington Orji and his team had visited Omerelu for an empowerment programme, but that the event was disrupted by the attackers.

    A source who preferred anonymity claimed that about three people were shot while many cars were destroyed.

    He sources said: “The shooting at Omerelu was as a result of the CTC Chairman’s visit to Omerelu for empowerment.

    “Some boys who are loyal to former LGA Chairman of Ikwerre, Samuel Nwanosike, stormed the venue and started shooting sporadically. About 3 persons had bullet wounds. They destroyed many cars.”

    At Eliozu, it was gathered that some youths alleged to be loyal to the factional speaker of the state assembly, Amaewhule, attacked the event organised by the state for aged woman, women and children in the area.

    The venue for the health outreach is said to be close to the home of Amaewhule, who the the leader of the 27 lawmakers in the state.

    It was learned that the state government had through the local government organised a medical outreach for women and children in the LGA, carried out by officials of State Ministry of Health.

    However, the project venue was attacked by some youths who are believed to be working for the anti-Fubara elements in the state.

    A source said the supporters of Amaewhule had gone to the event venue at Eliozu to confirm what was going on but that supporters of Fubara who were there had stopped them resulting to a free for all.

    It was gathered that while the attack was going on that men of Anti Riot Squad drafted from the State Command had arrived the scene with heavy gun fire and canisters to quell the situation.

    It was gathered that the police had blocked aged men and women from gaining access into the Health facility.

    However, the Public Relations Officer of the state police, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, noted it as two fighting.

    Iringe-Koko said: “A distress call was received from the health center in the Eliozu community today, 24th July 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were engaged in a fight.

    “The police responded by sending operatives to the scene to restore law and order. The police deployed anti-riot tactics, including the use of canisters, to disperse the crowds. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”

     

  • Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions have continued to trail the planned nationwide protest, as called by some unnamed groups, over the current hardship in the country.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some undisclosed bodies planned the protest for Aug. 1, with posters and hashtags already going viral on social media platforms.

     

    Speaking with NAN in Ibadan on Thursday, some respondents opposed the protest, while others saw it as the people’s legitimate and fundamental right to air their grievances.

     

    A civil servant at the state secretariat, Mrs Toyin Olutimilehin, said the protest might not be positive for the polity because it could disrupt their work schedule.

     

    “It can affect our daily routine because, sometimes, these protests get out of control.

     

    “They will sometimes block the main road to cause extreme traffic, leading to obstruction of duty and interference at work,” she said.

     

    Another civil servant, Mr Folarin Babatunde, also opposed the idea of protesting to be heard.

     

    According to him, the protest is only an excuse for the youths to show their presence and an opportunity for criminals to exhibit their criminal tendencies.

     

    “It will lead to criminal activities such as vandalism and the destruction of properties, putting lives at stake.

     

    “People put their lives at risk all in the name of a better country, and what is the assurance that this protest will solve the country’s many problems?

     

    “Rome was not built in a day; give the president time to renovate the country at his pace,” Babatunde said.

     

    Meanwhile, Mrs Olanrewaju Temitope, a trader at the Ring Road axis of Ibadan, was more interested in protecting her business should the protest end in looting and destruction of properties.

     

    “Besides, sales for that period will be low, affecting my day-to-day life.

     

    “My rent is due, and the protest will negatively affect my income, thus restricting me from paying my rent.

     

    “Please, Nigerians shouldn’t go through with the protest as it can lead to many things; it won’t still solve their problems,” she said.

     

    On the other hand, a youth corps member, Mr Ifeanyi Eze, says he wholeheartedly supports the protest.

     

    According to him, the country is in a state of distress, and everybody is just used to suffering and smiling; this protest is the only way for us to be heard and seen.

     

    Eze said, “Although the protest might not lead to a complete change, it will at least make them see that we want a change, and we’ll be heard.

     

    “This hardship is too much to bear. Dangote is also feeling it, as he’s always granting one interview or the other these days.

     

    “I want a better country, and if a protest is how to get it, then that is what we’ll do.”

     

    A passerby, Steven Ayobami, said he would support the protest because of the hardship brought about by the bad economy.

     

    “For a middle-class family to be frustrated to this extent, what of the poor? The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer.

     

    “What we need in Nigeria is to act, and as for me, I want a better life,” Ayobami said. (NAN)

  • Katsina probes Hisbah over alleged torture, murder

    Katsina probes Hisbah over alleged torture, murder

    Katsina probes Hisbah over alleged torture, murder

    The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Umar, on Tuesday, inaugurated a committee to investigate a viral video on social media showing the alleged torture of some individuals by the personnel of Hisbah.

     

    Activities of Katsina State Hisbah Board were recently tagged by residents as anti-social and infringement of rights of people across the State.

     

    Investigations by PUNCH Online revealed that on May 5, 2024, in the Katsina metropolis, a joint operation by Hisbah and Community Watch Corps at a wedding ceremony turned violent. The security forces fired shots into the crowd, resulting in the tragic death of Mallam Gambo Maipaci, a middle-aged vulcanizer.

     

    An eyewitness, Mohammed Musa, told PUNCH Online that “immediately the Hisbah alongside CWC alighted, without much ado, they started shooting while those with knives too were seen chasing the crowd.

     

    He said, “In the process, a bullet pierced through Mallam Gambo, the vulcaniser. They rushed him to a nearby hospital where he later died. Not only that, Hisbah has been infringing on our rights ever since its establishment by Radda’s administration.”

     

    Related News

    Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the acting Governor, Secretary to the Katsina State government, Abdullahi Faskari, read the terms of reference to include “investigate the veracity or otherwise of the viral video on the social media on alleged torture of individuals by personnel of Hisbah.

     

    “Other allegations of victimisation and torture being perpetrated by the personnel of Hisbah; study the Law establishing HISBAH Board with a view to determining lapses (if any) leading to violations of fundamental human rights; identify Hisbah personnel who are involved in the act of victimisation and torture of people and recommend sanctions as appropriate.”

     

    He said the committee will submit a report within 10 days from the date of inauguration of the Committee.

     

    The Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Aliyu Zakari, will chair the committee, while others are Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Religious Affairs, Justice, Internal Security and Home Affairs, among others.

     

     

  • Protest: Shelve proposed nationwide protest, IG tells organisers

    Protest: Shelve proposed nationwide protest, IG tells organisers

    Shelve proposed nationwide protest, IG tells organisers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday warned groups planning and mobilising for a nationwide protest against economic hardship in the country scheduled to begin August 1, 2024, to have a re-think and jettison the plan because it is ill-advised.

     

    He spoke against the backdrop of viral social media campaigns about the proposed protest which is gaining momentum, adding that the country had had its fair share of violent protests with dastardly consequences.

     

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    Speaking at a meeting with DIGs, AIGs and command police commissioners of the 36 states and FCT in Abuja, Egbetokun reminded Nigerians that the last #EndSARS protest aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts.

     

    He said: “Before concluding this address, it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks.

     

    “Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategizing and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

     

    “While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder.

     

    “As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences.

     

    “The last #EndSARS protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, as well as the loss of several lives. Tales of sorrow, tears, and blood followed what was supposedly intended to be a well-intentioned exercise.

     

    “Rather than lead to any positive outcome, #EndSARS merely aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts of the country. Indeed, we are yet to fully recover from the huge economic losses and deep-seated psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon our people by these protests.”

     

    Consequently, Egbetokun urged the citizens to jettison the proposed protest, insisting that the police had a responsibility to protect citizens and their properties.

     

    “Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously. We have the responsibility to protect properties and everyone, irrespective of their race, colour, ethnicity, or tribe, who are lawfully embarking on their daily activities.

     

    “We will, therefore, not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleashed on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again,” he added.

     

    The IGP said measures were in place to ensure that any hoodlums attempting to disguise themselves as protesters would be apprehended.

     

    He said: “We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding and dissolving Nigerians.”

     

     

  • Lagos billionaire kidnappers: Last-minute conversation before they struck at Ladipo

    Lagos billionaire kidnappers: Last-minute conversation before they struck at Ladipo

    Lagos billionaire kidnappers: Last-minute conversation before they struck at Ladipo

     

    Lagos billionaire kidnappers: Last-minute conversation before they struck at Ladipo

     

    LAGOS — As if in a movie, the conversation between the leader of recently killed billionaire kidnappers in Lagos, said to be a Nollywood actor/producer, Prince Henry Ode and another member of the notorious gang planted at the market on the day of their operation, has been exposed.

     

    Police sources said they had stationed one of their members inside the popular auto spare parts market on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, Lagos, to monitor the movement of their target, hours before they struck at the market.

     

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    It was learned that he was giving them minute by minute information on the movement of their victim, and when it was ripe to strike, he gave the go-ahead information.

     

    It was gathered that details of their conversation emerged after detectives at the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Special Squad led by Kehinde Oni unearthed vital digital and electronic information about their preparation for the operation, during which the squad swooped on them and in an exchange of fire, they were neutralised.

     

    It learned that the hoodlums had arrived the market not knowing that they were being watched by detectives, who were personally selected by state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, strategically stationed.

     

    Intelligence revealed that a voice recorded message was going on between the popular Nollywood actor and a yet-to-be-identified member of the gang posted to the market to monitor their victim.

    The voice-recorded conversation in Igbo language ran thus:

     

    Actor: How far, is he out now? Which road leads to that place, is it through airport or 7/8?

    Member: I don’t know the road he uses. I am still watching him. Where are you people now? Have you taken off? He has entered his car, no time.

     

    Actor: Do you know your problem? You are never calculative. You are a drunk. Drink will make you not to achieve anything in life. So you have the compass about the man’s movement and you did not tell us earlier? Continue drinking.

     

    All I want is for you to give me the information I need. After we must have succeeded and given you your share, you can finish it on drinks, no wahalla. How many times did I call you? We don dey come.

     

    Member: Please don’t be angry with me, no vex. You know how Ladipo is now.

  • Sad; Plane crashes in Nepal with 18 dead, pilot sole survivor

    Sad; Plane crashes in Nepal with 18 dead, pilot sole survivor

     

    Plane crashes in Nepal with 18 dead, pilot sole survivor

    Plane crashes in Nepal with 18 dead, pilot sole survivor

    Officials examine the site after a Saurya Airlines’ plane crashed during takeoff at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on July 24, 2024.

     

    A passenger plane crashed on takeoff in Kathmandu on July 24, with the pilot rescued from the flaming wreckage but all 18 others aboard killed, police in the Nepali capital told AFP. (Photo by PRAKASH MATHEMA / AFP)

     

    A passenger plane crashed on takeoff in Kathmandu on Wednesday, with the pilot rescued from the flaming wreckage but all 18 others aboard killed, police in the Nepali capital told AFP.

     

    Nepal has a woeful track record on aviation safety and the Himalayan republic has seen a spate of deadly light plane and helicopter crashes over the decades.

     

    The Saurya Airlines flight was carrying two crew and 17 of the company’s staff members, Nepali police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki told AFP.

     

    “The pilot has been rescued and is being treated,” he added. “Eighteen bodies have been recovered, including one foreigner. We are in the process of taking them for post-mortem.”

     

    The flight was being conducted for either technical or maintenance purposes, Gyanendra Bhul of Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority told AFP without giving further details.

     

    Bahadur and Bhul were unable to confirm the nationality of the sole foreigner aboard.

     

    Images of the aftermath shared by Nepal’s military showed the plane’s fuselage split apart and burnt to a husk.

     

    Around a dozen soldiers in camouflage were standing on top of the wreckage with the surrounding earth coated in fire retardant.

     

    The plane crashed at around 11:15 am (0530 GMT), the military said in a statement, adding that the army’s quick response team had been lending assistance with rescue efforts.

     

    News portal Khabarhub reported that the airplane had caught fire after skidding on the runway.

     

    The plane was scheduled to fly on Nepal’s busiest air route between Kathmandu and Pokhara, an important tourism hub in the Himalayan republic.

     

    Saurya Airlines exclusively flies Bombardier CRJ 200 jets, according to its website.

     

    – Plagued by poor safety –

    Nepal’s air industry has boomed in recent years, carrying goods and people between hard-to-reach areas as well as foreign trekkers and climbers.

     

    But it has been plagued by poor safety due to insufficient training and maintenance — issues compounded by the mountainous republic’s treacherous geography.

     

    The European Union has banned all Nepali carriers from its airspace over safety concerns.

     

    The Himalayan country has some of the world’s trickiest runways to land on, flanked by snow-capped peaks with approaches that pose a challenge even for accomplished pilots.

     

    The weather can also change quickly in the mountains, creating treacherous flying conditions.

     

    Nepal’s last major commercial flight accident was in January 2023, when a Yeti Airlines service crashed while landing at Pokhara, killing all 72 aboard.

     

    That accident was Nepal’s deadliest since 1992, when all 167 people aboard a Pakistan International Airlines plane died when it crashed on approach to Kathmandu airport.

     

    Earlier that year a Thai Airways aircraft had crashed near the same airport, killing 113 people.