A U.S. military aircraft is deporting migrants to India, marking the farthest destination yet for deportation flights under the Trump administration, a U.S. official confirmed Monday.
The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the C-17 aircraft had departed with migrants on board but would not reach India for at least 24 hours.
The Trump administration has increasingly relied on the U.S. military to support its immigration enforcement efforts, deploying troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, using military bases to house migrants, and employing military aircraft to conduct deportation flights.
The Pentagon has begun providing military flights to deport more than 5,000 migrants currently held by U.S. authorities in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California, as part of the administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
So far, military aircraft have transported deportees to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. The addition of India marks an expansion of these efforts beyond Latin America.
Military deportation flights come at a significant cost. Reuters previously reported that a deportation flight to Guatemala using military aircraft last week likely cost at least $4,675 per migrant.
Despite the high costs, the Trump administration has defended the use of military resources, arguing that it accelerates the deportation process and deters illegal immigration.
The Pentagon has not disclosed further details about future deportation flights to India or other distant destinations.
El Salvador has agreed to house “dangerous criminals” deported by the United States, President Nayib Bukele announced Monday following talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The deal expands beyond El Salvador’s acceptance of its own deported citizens to include criminals from other nations, Rubio said.
“Any illegal immigrant in the United States who’s a dangerous criminal—MS-13, Tren de Aragua, whatever it may be—he has offered his jails, so we can send them and he will put them in his jails,” Rubio said, referring to members of transnational criminal organizations.
Rubio, who is on his first overseas tour as the U.S. top diplomat, is seeking support from Central American countries to facilitate mass deportations under the Trump administration’s migration policies.
As part of these efforts, the U.S. is working to establish “third-country” agreements, in which nations accept deportees from other countries that refuse to take them back.
Countries like Cuba and Venezuela have historically limited the number of deportees they accept due to strained relations with the U.S. However, Rubio said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has now agreed to accept the return of Venezuelan nationals deported from the U.S.
Bukele also proposed housing dangerous criminals who are U.S. citizens or legal residents, though it remains unclear whether Washington will accept the offer.
“We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison… in exchange for a fee,” Bukele said in a post on X, referring to El Salvador’s high-security terrorism confinement center.
He added that while the fee would be low for the U.S., it would significantly contribute to making El Salvador’s prison system financially sustainable.
The U.S. State Department has previously described prison conditions in El Salvador as “harsh and dangerous,” noting that overcrowding poses a serious threat to inmates’ health and safety. Reports highlight inadequate sanitation, potable water, ventilation, and lighting in many facilities.
Despite these concerns, Bukele’s administration has received praise from the Trump administration for its tough-on-crime approach, which has resulted in the arrests of more than 80,000 people and a sharp decline in homicides.
Since taking office on Jan. 20, President Donald Trump has intensified deportations, including the use of military aircraft for repatriation flights.
On Monday, the Trump administration revoked deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in the U.S., a move that could lead to a significant increase in deportations.
Additionally, Trump recently announced plans to expand the detention facility at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 detainees as part of his broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Monday, citing humanitarian reasons following intense fighting that led to the capture of Goma.
The ceasefire, set to begin Tuesday, comes after a week of clashes that left an estimated 900 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands, according to the United Nations.
The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) said in a statement posted on X that the ceasefire aims to address the worsening humanitarian situation in the region.
“In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the regime in Kinshasa, we declare a ceasefire starting February 4, 2025, for humanitarian reasons,” the statement read.
The DRC government has not yet commented on the ceasefire, and it remains unclear if the Congolese military will honor the pause in fighting.
After capturing Goma, a key city of two million people known for its mineral wealth, M23 had begun advancing toward Bukavu, another strategic hub in eastern DRC. However, in their latest statement, the group said it would not attack the provincial city.
“We have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we will continue to defend our positions and protect civilians,” M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka said.
The conflict has intensified over recent weeks, with the UN reporting that at least 900 bodies have been recovered in Goma. Authorities estimate nearly 2,900 people have been injured.
The ongoing violence has triggered calls for a humanitarian corridor to allow civilians to escape the conflict zone. The UN and humanitarian organizations have warned of worsening conditions, as thousands remain trapped without access to food, water, and medical aid.
The ceasefire announcement comes ahead of a regional summit this weekend, where DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are expected to attend peace negotiations.
Previous talks have failed to produce a lasting resolution. However, Kenya, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the East African Community, has expressed optimism that negotiations may move forward.
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) have urged all parties involved to return to peace talks and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid to affected civilians.
The M23 rebellion is part of a decades-long conflict in eastern Congo, tied to ethnic tensions and disputes over the region’s vast mineral resources. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda denies.
As the ceasefire takes effect, it remains uncertain whether fighting will fully subside or if peace negotiations will lead to a long-term resolution to the conflict.
China announced new tariffs on U.S. imports Tuesday in response to recently imposed U.S. duties on Chinese goods, escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
China’s finance ministry said that beginning Feb. 10, the country will impose levies of 15% on U.S. coal and 10% on crude oil, farm equipment, and certain automobiles. The announcement came shortly after the U.S. implemented an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports at 12:01 a.m. ET.
The move marks a renewal of the trade war that began in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, intensifying economic strain between Beijing and Washington. The tariffs follow Trump’s recent discussions offering Mexico and Canada 30-day reprieves on proposed tariffs.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, typically calculated as a percentage of their value. Importers usually bear the initial cost, which is often passed on to consumers.
Trump has defended the tariffs, arguing they are necessary to curb the flow of fentanyl, a powerful opioid, from China to the U.S.—a claim Beijing disputes.
“China hopefully is going to stop sending us fentanyl, and if they’re not, the tariffs are going to go substantially higher,” Trump said Monday.
Economists warn that additional tariffs could lead to increased consumer costs and market uncertainty.
China has dismissed accusations regarding fentanyl and announced plans to challenge the U.S. tariffs at the World Trade Organization. The Chinese government also signaled its willingness to negotiate while preparing countermeasures.
As part of its response, Beijing has launched an anti-monopoly investigation into Alphabet Inc.’s Google and added U.S. firms PVH Corp. (owner of Calvin Klein) and biotech company Illumina to its “unreliable entities list,” which could impose fines and restrictions on these companies.
The U.S. has temporarily paused 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada following discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Both leaders agreed to increase border enforcement measures to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking.
Canada will deploy additional personnel and technology along its border with the U.S. and implement measures against organized crime and fentanyl smuggling. Mexico will deploy 10,000 National Guard members to strengthen border security.
Should tariffs on Mexico take effect, American consumers could face higher prices for imported produce, alcohol, and auto parts. Tariffs on Canadian imports could impact steel, lumber, and grain prices.
Trump has suggested the European Union could be the next target for tariffs but has not provided a timeline. EU leaders, meeting in Brussels, warned they would retaliate if U.S. tariffs are imposed while advocating for diplomatic negotiations.
A Delta Air Lines flight traveling from New York City to Orlando was diverted to Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday after an odor was detected in the cabin, airline officials said.
Delta Flight 2090 departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport at 11:41 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Orlando at 2:30 p.m. However, the Airbus A321 made an unscheduled landing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) after the crew reported the issue.
“Flight 2090 on February 1 from New York – John F. Kennedy (JFK) to Orlando (MCO) diverted to Raleigh (RDU) and landed safely after an odor was detected in the cabin,” a Delta spokesperson said in a statement. “We apologize to our customers for their delay in travel.”
The airline confirmed that 158 passengers were on board. Travelers were either transferred to a new aircraft Saturday evening or accommodated on earlier flights to their destinations. According to FlightAware, the flight eventually landed in Orlando just before 9 p.m.
The source of the odor remains unknown.
The incident follows another airline emergency over the weekend involving a United Airlines flight from Houston to New York.
A passenger on United Flight 1382 captured footage of a wing catching fire during takeoff at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that an engine issue prompted the evacuation of passengers and crew.
According to the FAA, passengers were removed from the aircraft using a combination of slides and stairs before being transported to the terminal by bus. No injuries were reported. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar emerged as the top winners at the 2025 Grammy Awards, with Beyoncé securing her first-ever Album of the Year trophy for “Cowboy Carter” and Lamar capturing multiple rap category honors.
Below is the full list of winners:
Album of the Year
André 3000 – New Blue Sun
Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter – WINNER
Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
Charli xcx – Brat
Jacob Collier – Djesse Vol 4
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
Chappell Roan – The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
Beyonce earned top honor Album Of The Year for the first time in five tries
Beyonce earned top honor Album Of The Year for the first time in five tries
Record of the Year
The Beatles – Now and Then
Beyoncé – Texas Hold ’Em
Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
Charli xcx – 360
Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us – WINNER
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone – Fortnight
Song of the Year
Beyoncé – Texas Hold ’Em
Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us – WINNER
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please
Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy)
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone – Fortnight
Best New Artist
Benson Boone
Doechii
Chappell Roan – WINNER
Khruangbin
Raye
Sabrina Carpenter
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Chappell Roan earned the coveted Best New Artist Gong
Chappell Roan earned the coveted Best New Artist Gong
Best Pop Solo Performance
Beyoncé – Bodyguard
Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
Charli XCX – Apple
Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso – WINNER
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica – The Boy Is Mine – Remix
Will Liverman (soloist); Jonathan King (pianist) – Show Me The Way
Joyce DiDonato (soloist); Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor of Il Pomo d’Oro) – Wagner: Wesendonck Lieder
Best Classical Compendium
Andy Akiho & Imani Winds (artists); Andy Akiho, Sean Dixon & Mark Dover (producers) – BeLonging
Curtis Stewart (artist); James Blachley (conductor), Blanton Alspaugh (producer) – American Counterpoints
JoAnn Falletta (conductor); Bernd Gottinger (producer) – Foss: Symphony No. 1; Renaissance Concerto; Three American Pieces; Ode
Sangeeta Kaur, Omar Najmi, Hilá Plitmann, Robert Thies & Danaë Xanthe Vlasse (artists); Michael Shapiro (conductor); Jeff Atmajian, Emilio D. Miler, Hai Nguyen, Robert Thies, Danaë Xanthe Vlasse & Kitt Wakeley (producers) – Mythologies II
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantin was a massive winner as Gabriela Ortiz is seen
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantin was a massive winner as Gabriela Ortiz is seen
Best Contemporary Classical Composition
Curtis Stewart (artist); James Blachley (conductor), Blanton Alspaugh (producer) – American Counterpoints
JoAnn Falletta (conductor); Bernd Gottinger (producer) – Foss: Symphony No. 1; Renaissance Concerto; Three American Pieces; Ode
Sangeeta Kaur, Omar Najmi, Hilá Plitmann, Robert Thies & Danaë Xanthe Vlasse (artists); Michael Shapiro (conductor); Jeff Atmajian, Emilio D. Miler, Hai Nguyen, Robert Thies, Danaë Xanthe Vlasse & Kitt Wakeley (producers) – Mythologies II
Michael League – Baby Elephant Walk – Encore (Snarky Puppy)
Jacob Collier, Tori Kelly & John Legend – Bridge Over Troubled Water (Jacob Collier ft. John Legend & Tori Kelly) – WINNER
Béla Fleck & Ferde Grofé – Rhapsody in Blue(grass) (Béla Fleck ft. Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz & Bryan Sutton)
Erin Bentlage, Alexander Lloyd Blake, Scott Hoying, A.J. Sealy & Amanda Taylor – Rose Without the Thorns (Scott Hoying ft. säje & Tonality)
Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnnaye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor – Silent Night
Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals
Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnnye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor – Alma (säje ft. Regina Carter) – WINNER
Matt Jones – Always Come Back (John Legend)
Willow, Chris Greatti, Zach Tenorio – B i g f e e l i n g s (Willow)
Charlie Rosen & Jake Silverman – Last Surprise (The 8-bit Big Band ft. Jonah Nilsson & Button Masher)
Cody Fry – The sound of silence (Cody Fry ft. Sleeping At Last
Best Recording Package
Jonny Black & Giorgia Sage – The Avett Brothers (The Avett Brothers)
Sarah Dodds & Shauna Dodds – Baker Hotel (William Clark Green)
Brent David Freaney, Charli XCX & Imogene Strauss – Brat (Charli xcx) – WINNER
Archie Lee Coates IV, Austin Post (Post Malone), Bobby Greenleaf, Jeffrey Franklin, Blossom Liu, Kylie McMahon & Ana Cecilia Thompson Motta – F-1 Trillion (Post Malone)
Kate Bush & Albert McIntosh – Hounds of Love – The Baskerville Edition (Kate Bush)
Andrew Wong & Julie Yeh – Jug Band Millionaire (The Muddy Basin Ramblers)
Lee Pei-Tzu – Pregnancy, Breakdown and Disease (WhoiWhoo)
Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package
Nick Azinas & Mike Hicks – Half Living Things (Alpha Wolf)
Kate Bush & Albert McIntosh – Hounds of Love – The Boxes of Lost at Sea (Kate Bush)
Doug Cunningham & Jason Noto – In Utero (Nirvana)
Simon Hilton & Sean Ono Lennon – Mind Games (John Lennon) – WINNER
Takahiro Kurashima & Marek Polewski – Unsuk Chin (Unsuk Chin & Berliner Philharmoniker)
Rebeka Arce & Farbod Kokaki – We Blame Chicago (90 Day Men)
Best Album Notes
Tim Brooks – After Midnight
Lauren de Graf – The Carnegie Hall Concert
Ricky Riccardi – Centennial – WINNER
Dominic Fyfe – John Culshaw – The Art of the Producer – The Early Years 1948-55
Josh Kun – SONtrack Original de la Pelicula Al Son de Beno
Best Historical Album
Centennial – Meagan Hennessy & Richard Martin – WINNER
Prince – Diamonds and Pearls: Super Deluxe Edition
Paul Robeson – Voice of Freedom: His Complete Columbia, RCA, HMV and Victor Recordings
Pepito y Paquito – Pepe De Lucía & Javier Doria,
The Sound of Music – Super Deluxe Edition
Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical
Jessi Alexander
Amy Allen – WINNER
Édgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Raye
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
Algorithm (Lucky Daye)
Cyan Blue (Charlotte Day Wilson)
Deeper Well (Kacey Musgraves)
Empathogen (Willow)
I/O (Peter Gabriel) – WINNER
Short n’ Sweet (Sabrina Carpenter)
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Alissia
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Ian Fitchuk
Mustard
Dan Nigro – WINNER
Dan Nigro earned the coveted Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Dan Nigro earned the coveted Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Best Remixed Recording
Kaytranada – Alter Ego (Kaytranada Remix) (Doechii featuring JT)
David Guetta – A Bar Song (Tipsy) (remix) (Shaboozey & David Guetta)
Mark Ronson x FnZ – Espresso (Working Late remix) (Sabrina Carpenter) – WINNER
Alexx Antaeus, Footsteps & MeMyish – Jah Sees Them (Amapiano remix)” (Julian Marley & Antaeus)
A. G. Cook – Von Dutch (remix) (Charli XCX & A. G. Cook featuring Addison Rae)
Best Immersive Audio Album
Roxy Music – Avalon
Ray Charles – Genius Loves Company
Trondheim Symphony Orchestra – Borders
Peter Gabriel – i/o (In-Side Mix) – WINNER
Ensemble 96 & Current Saxophone Quartet -Pax
Best Instrumental Composition
Shelton G. Berg – At Last
Christopher Zuar – Communion
André 3000, Surya Botofasina, Nate Mercereau & Carlos Niño – I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time
Chick Corea – Remembrance
Pascal Le Boeuf – Strands – WINNER
Best Engineered Album, Classical
Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay – Adams: Girl of the Golden West
Silas Brown, Doron Schachter & Michael Schwartz – Andres: The Blind Banister
Mark Donahue & John Newton – Bruckner: Symphony No. 7; Bates: Ressurexit – WINNER
Daniel Shores – Clear Voices in the Dark
Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay – Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina
Producer of the Year, Classical
Erica Brenner
Morten Lindberg
Dmitriy Lipay
Elaine Martone – WINNER
Dirk Sobotka
Elaine Martone was bestowed Producer Of The Year, Classical
Elaine Martone was bestowed Producer Of The Year, Classical
Best Orchestral Performance
Marin Alsop (cd); ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra – Adams: City Noir, Fearful Symmetries & Lola Montez Does the Spider Dance
JoAnn Falletta (cd); Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra – Kodály: Háry János Suite; Summer Evening & Symphony in C Major
Gustavo Dudamel (cd); Los Angeles Philharmonic – Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina – WINNER
Kanye West has responded to widespread backlash after he and his wife, Bianca Censori, reportedly left the 2025 Grammy Awards following her appearance in a sheer, nude mesh dress. The outfit, which left little to the imagination, sparked controversy, with some reports claiming the couple was escorted out of the event.
West, 47, dismissed the criticism, calling the Grammy Awards “boring” and defending Censori’s attire as an artistic expression. “People have called this a stunt, but to Ye, this is his art,” a source told *The Sun*. “He turned up, made headlines around the world, and left.”
Censori, 30, initially arrived on the red carpet in a fur coat before removing it, revealing her nearly-naked appearance. Witnesses reported that West was seen directing her actions, with lip readers capturing him instructing her to “make a scene.”
The couple’s abrupt departure fueled speculation that they had been asked to leave. While some reports claimed they were escorted out, other sources insisted they left of their own accord. The incident comes amid ongoing industry tensions, including West’s longstanding feud with Taylor Swift.
The backlash has also had financial repercussions. Sources in Japan revealed that West lost a $20 million deal to perform at Tokyo Dome in May, with investors citing cultural concerns over the red-carpet stunt. “Japan is experiencing a cultural shift regarding women’s rights and the MeToo movement. What he did is being seen as coercive control,” a Tokyo-based source stated.
Public reaction to the display has been overwhelmingly negative, with social media users expressing concern for Censori. Celebrities including *The View* host Alyssa Farah Griffin and former co-host Meghan McCain condemned the incident, with McCain calling West “repugnant” and “vile.”
Despite the controversy, West used the Grammy broadcast to promote his Yeezy clothing line, airing an ad featuring affordable merchandise and apparel tied to his upcoming album, *Bully*.
The Grammys, held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, also saw Beyoncé win her first *Album of the Year* award, while Kendrick Lamar took home *Song of the Year* and *Record of the Year* for *Not Like Us*.
Authorities in Anambra State, Nigeria, have launched an investigation after three siblings were found dead inside a deep freezer in their home in Nnewichi, Nnewi. The victims, a five-year-old boy and two girls aged seven and nine, were discovered by their mother after she returned from an examination.
The children—identified as Ejezie Chikaima Daviana, Ejezie Chimziterem Dominica, and Ejezie Chimdilim David—were alone at home when the attack occurred. Their father, Ejezie Udochukwu, who resides in Irrua, Edo State, said his wife called him on February 1 to report the incident.
“When my wife got home, she didn’t see the children. She and others searched for them, including at the church where they served as altar servers, but they weren’t there,” Udochukwu said.
After an extended search, their bodies were found inside a deep freezer in their home. Authorities reported signs of an abrupt attack, as plates of abandoned food were found inside the house.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the case and said Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Itam has ordered a full investigation.
“The bodies have been recovered, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for further examination,” Ikenga said.
The incident follows a similar case in Nise, Awka South Local Government Area, also in Nigeria, where three young siblings were found dead inside their father’s parked vehicle. Police say both cases remain under investigation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned 42 foreign nationals on Monday for alleged sophisticated cybercrime operations targeting Nigeria’s economic infrastructure.
The suspects, comprising 29 Chinese, 10 Filipinos, one Malaysian, one Indonesian, and one Pakistani, were charged before separate Federal High Courts in Ikoyi, Lagos. They were arraigned alongside Genting International Co. Ltd.
The defendants are part of a larger syndicate of 792 suspects arrested during the December 19, 2024 “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by EFCC operatives. Charges include cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, impersonation, false documentation, and identity theft.
Prosecutors allege the group systematically accessed computer systems to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional and economic structures. Specific charges detail how the suspects allegedly employed Nigerian youth in elaborate identity theft and fraud schemes.
One count against Zhang Hua Zhai and Genting International Co. Ltd. accuses them of procuring Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals for financial gain, potentially violating sections 18 and 27 of the 2015 Cybercrimes Act.
Similar charges were brought against other defendants, including Shitou Shizilong, who is accused of organizing computer systems to undermine Nigeria’s social and economic stability.
The case highlights ongoing challenges with international cybercrime networks operating within Nigeria, particularly those involving cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud schemes.
The arraignment represents a significant legal action against transnational cybercrime operations targeting Nigerian citizens and financial systems.
Recovery crews lifted an engine from American Airlines Flight 5432 from the Potomac River Monday, marking a crucial step in the complex operation to recover all victims of last Wednesday’s deadly midair collision with a military helicopter in Washington, D.C.
Officials confirmed 55 victims’ remains have been recovered so far from the crash that claimed 67 lives. Recovery teams are now focused on retrieving the remaining victims and wreckage from the river’s murky waters.
“We’re going to recover everyone,” D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said at a Sunday news conference. Recovery workers face challenging conditions with near-zero visibility in the river.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, expects the three-day operation to remove the aircraft wreckage will employ crane and deck barges, dive boats and specialized diving systems.
After transfer to a secure hangar, the National Transportation Safety Board will examine the wreckage to determine the cause of the collision between the commercial airliner and the Black Hawk helicopter.
Baltimore District Commander Col. Francis Pera emphasized the operation’s primary focus remains on victim recovery. “We have not and will not lose focus of what is most important — the safety of our crews and accounting for those still missing to bring closure to their families and loved ones.”
Recovery teams plan to remove the Black Hawk helicopter wreckage next. Officials expect major lifting operations to conclude by Saturday, with debris removal continuing through February 12. Operations pause immediately when victim remains are discovered.
The timeline remains subject to equipment availability, weather conditions and tidal patterns.
