NEWCASTLE, Australia (AP) — Australia and New Zealand sent airplanes to New Caledonia on Tuesday to begin bringing home stranded citizens from the violence-wracked French South Pacific territory.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia had received clearance from French authorities for two flights to evacuate citizens from the archipelago, where indigenous people have long sought independence from France.
Hours later, a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules touched down in Noumea, the capital. The plane can carry 124 passengers, according to the Defense Department.
“We continue to work on further flights,” Wong wrote on the social media platform X on Tuesday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said 300 Australians were in New Caledonia. It did not immediately confirm whether the Australian-organized flights would also evacuate other stranded foreign nationals, believed to number in the thousands.
Cannes 2024: Studio Ghibli takes a bow with an honorary Palme d'Or
US Postal Service seeks to hike stamp prices to 73 cents
'We will not be silenced': Gisborne council backs Māori wards
Death toll rises in Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years
Sale continues dominant run as Braves beat Padres 3
Changes to tenancy laws to come into force next year
Changes to flu vaccine eligibility missed opportunity to improve health equity
HK indie music collective Un.Tomorrow seeks community, history
Kylie Jenner displays her VERY edgy fashion sense in cleavage
Ministers announce advisory group for fast
Trump or Biden? Either way, US seems poised to preserve heavy tariffs on imports
Israeli military reduces troops in southern Gaza, spokesperson says