Investigation into Azerbaijan Airlines Crash Continues
Two Azerbaijani government sources have revealed that the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane that crashed in Kazakhstan, resulting in the deaths of 38 people, was struck by a Russian anti-aircraft missile. The plane, Flight 8432, was traveling from Baku to Grozny when it was hit by shrapnel from a surface-to-air missile.
Circumstances Surrounding the Crash
According to the sources, the pilots of the Embraer 190 requested an emergency landing in Russian airports but were denied permission. Instead, they were diverted to the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, which required them to fly over the Caspian Sea. The pro-government agency Caliber.Az reported that the missile used against the plane was a Pantsir-S.
Russian sources have acknowledged that their anti-aircraft defenses were attempting to shoot down Ukrainian drones in the skies over Chechnya, where the AZAL plane was flying. The Kremlin has cautioned against rushing to conclusions about the causes of the crash, while NATO has called for a “complete investigation” into the incident.
International Response
NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah expressed condolences to the families and victims of the crash, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. The organization has called for a full investigation into the incident.
Brazilian experts are set to arrive in Kazakhstan to join the investigation into the air disaster. The incident has left 38 dead and 29 survivors, and Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended all flights to Grozny and Makhachkala until the causes of the tragedy are clarified.