Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Shot Down by Russian Missile – Latest News and Updates
A tragic incident unfolded on December 25 when a Russian missile, fired over Grozny, Chechnya, led to the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Aktau, Kazakhstan. According to reports from Euronews, a source in the Azerbaijani government confirmed that a surface-to-air missile (SAM) targeted the aircraft, which was en route from Grozny to Baku, Azerbaijan. This devastating event occurred amidst drone activity in the skies above Grozny, where fragments from the missile struck passengers and crew members, causing an explosion mid-flight.
Emergency Response and Flight Path
Despite desperate pleas for an emergency landing, the damaged plane was denied access to Russian airports, compelling the pilots to redirect the aircraft towards Aktau, Kazakhstan, flying over the Caspian Sea. Shockingly, the GPS navigation systems onboard the plane were reportedly jammed throughout the flight over the sea. Flight Radar data analysis revealed the plane deviating from its usual course, traversing the Caspian Sea, and circling before ultimately crashing near Aktau.
Eyewitness Accounts and Expert Opinions
Eyewitnesses in Grozny recounted hearing four or five explosions near the base of the 2nd Special Regiment of the Interior Ministry, named after Akhmat Kadyrov. Meanwhile, Chechen Security Council Secretary Khamzat Kadyrov acknowledged the interception of drones in the region but refrained from divulging further details about the operation or the specific location where the UAVs were neutralized.
Investigative Efforts and National Mourning
As the investigation unfolds, several aviation and military experts have speculated that the plane may have been mistakenly targeted by Russian air defense systems due to reported Ukrainian drone activity in the vicinity. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared a national day of mourning following the loss of 38 lives in the crash, canceling his scheduled visit to Russia for a CIS summit.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister confirmed the tragic toll of 38 casualties, with 29 survivors, including three children, currently receiving medical care in local hospitals. The airline disclosed that the aircraft carried 62 passengers and five crew members, comprising individuals from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.
In the wake of this heart-wrenching tragedy, the global community stands in solidarity with the affected families and nations, urging a thorough investigation to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this catastrophic event. The repercussions of this incident resonate far beyond the borders of the countries involved, underscoring the critical importance of ensuring aviation safety and security worldwide. Together, we mourn the lives lost and honor their memory, striving to prevent such calamities from recurring in the future.
