Azerbaijan Investigation Suggests Russian Air Defence Role in Kazakhstan Plane Crash
Azerbaijan’s initial investigation into a recent plane crash in Kazakhstan has pointed to Russian air defense systems as the likely cause, according to reports from various media outlets.
The tragic incident involved Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432, which crashed near Aktau on Wednesday while en route to Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechnya region. The crash resulted in 38 fatalities and left 29 passengers injured.
Findings and Allegations
Although Azerbaijani authorities have not officially disclosed the results of their investigation, sources cited by news agencies such as Euronews, The Wall Street Journal, Anadolu Agency, and Reuters have alleged that a Russian Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile was responsible for the crash.
According to Reuters, the aircraft’s communications were reportedly disrupted by electronic warfare systems, leaving it vulnerable to the missile strike. The strike, however, is believed to have been unintentional, as per information shared by an unnamed source familiar with the investigation.
Emergency Landing Denied
Euronews reported that the pilots of Flight 8432 had requested an emergency landing in Russia but were denied permission. Instead, the plane was redirected across the Caspian Sea towards Aktau, where it ultimately crashed.
Al Jazeera noted that it was unable to independently verify these claims.
Conflicting Explanations from Russia
In the aftermath of the crash, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency suggested that the plane had to make an emergency landing due to a collision with a flock of birds. However, aviation experts have pointed to visible damage on the aircraft’s tail as evidence suggesting a missile strike.
The Embraer 190 was flying over a region of Russia’s North Caucasus that has recently been a hotspot for Ukrainian drone activity. Just hours before the crash, Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported intercepting multiple drones in the area.
Footage and Public Speculation
Videos shared on social media depicted the plane’s rapid descent and fiery crash. These visuals, along with expert analyses, have fueled suspicions about the involvement of Russian air defences.
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov urged against drawing conclusions prematurely, stating: “It would be inappropriate to speculate before the investigation is complete.”
Kazakhstan’s Response
Kazakhstan, conducting its own investigation into the incident, has refrained from commenting on potential causes until its findings are finalized.
National Mourning in Azerbaijan
On Thursday, Azerbaijan observed a national day of mourning for the victims. Across the country, flags were lowered, traffic paused, and citizens observed a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives.
President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences, calling the crash “a profound tragedy that has brought immense sorrow to the Azerbaijani people.”
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Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
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