Baku, Azerbaijan – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has publicly called on Russia to “admit its guilt” in the downing of an Azerbaijani airliner, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 38 people and left 29 others injured.
The incident involved Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432, which crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, while en route to Grozny, Chechnya, on Wednesday.
Details of the Crash
- President Aliyev stated that the aircraft was struck by ground fire over Russian territory.
- The plane was reportedly rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare, veered off course, and attempted an emergency landing before crashing.
Initially, Russian officials claimed the crash was caused by the aircraft colliding with a flock of birds. However, mounting evidence suggests an antiaircraft missile was the cause of the disaster.
President Aliyev’s Statement
In a televised address, President Aliyev stated:
“We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia. We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done.”
He expressed disappointment in Russia’s handling of the situation, accusing Russian officials of attempting to “hush up” the matter.
- He criticized the Kremlin for issuing “delirious versions” of the events during the first three days following the crash.
- Aliyev emphasized the need for Russia to acknowledge its role in the incident and take responsibility.
Kremlin Response
Thus far, the Kremlin has not issued a comprehensive response to Aliyev’s accusations, maintaining its initial explanation that the crash was due to a bird strike. However, the growing evidence pointing to an antiaircraft missile has put increasing pressure on Russian authorities to address the allegations.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Azerbaijani government has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. Key aspects under scrutiny include:
- The nature of the missile suspected to have struck the aircraft.
- The use of electronic warfare technology that may have contributed to the crash.
- Russia’s delayed and conflicting explanations for the tragedy.
The downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 has created significant tension between Azerbaijan and Russia. With 38 lives lost and conflicting accounts surrounding the crash, the incident demands transparency and accountability to provide justice for the victims and their families.
