Plane Crash Sparks Speculation Over Possible Russian Involvement

by The_unmuteenglish

Baku, 27 December 2024: An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 aircraft crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. Survivors, numbering 29, were rushed to local hospitals, while investigations into the incident are underway.

The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, reportedly diverted its course due to adverse weather conditions, according to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. While attempting to land in Aktau, the aircraft plummeted approximately three kilometers from the coast, erupting into flames on impact. Mobile phone footage circulating online captured the plane’s steep descent and fiery explosion.

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia have launched investigations into the crash, but its cause remains unclear. Preliminary reports from Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, suggest the diversion occurred after a bird strike led to an in-flight emergency. Meanwhile, aviation experts and commentators have raised concerns about a potential missile strike.

Images of the wreckage appear to show damage to the tail section, sparking speculation that the aircraft might have been accidentally struck by Russian air defense systems amid ongoing operations to counter Ukrainian drone attacks. UK-based aviation security firm Osprey Flight Solutions issued a warning to its clients, stating, “The Azerbaijan Airlines flight was likely shot down by a Russian military air-defense system.”

Osprey CEO Andrew Nicholson highlighted the increasing risks in the region, noting the company has issued over 200 alerts related to drone activity and air-defense responses in Russia since the onset of the war in Ukraine.

Asked about allegations of a possible missile strike, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov advised against premature conclusions, stating, “It would be wrong to make hypotheses before investigators present their findings.” Kazakh and Azerbaijani officials have also refrained from commenting on the claims, deferring to the outcome of the joint inquiry.

In Azerbaijan, a national day of mourning was observed on Thursday, with flags at half-mast and nationwide moments of silence. Ships and trains sounded signals as the nation grieved the tragedy.

Aircraft manufacturer Embraer has pledged cooperation with investigators, emphasizing its commitment to assisting authorities. As officials probe the cause of the crash, the incident raises pressing questions about aviation safety in conflict zones.

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