Thu Dec 26 11:27:44 UTC 2024: ## Azerbaijan Airlines Crash: Missile Suspected in Deadly Crash Near Grozny

**Aktau, Kazakhstan/Brussels, Belgium** – A devastating Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, which killed 38 passengers, is under investigation, with mounting evidence suggesting it may have been caused by a Russian air defense missile. President Ilham Aliyev has ordered a full investigation, while Euronews, citing official sources, reports that surviving passengers heard an explosion and witnessed shrapnel hitting the plane before the crash.

The Airbus A320, en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, experienced an apparent malfunction shortly before the crash. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed unusual flight patterns including a possible figure-eight maneuver, and significant GPS jamming was reported. Social media videos depict the plane breaking apart in a fiery crash landing.

Initial reports suggested a bird strike caused the incident, but Russian military bloggers and experts have linked the damage to a potential accidental strike by a Russian air defense system near Grozny. These experts claim the plane may have been mistaken for a Ukrainian drone amid ongoing drone attacks in the region. The Kremlin has yet to comment on these accusations. Euronews independently corroborated this information, reporting that sources tied to the investigation are confirming that a missile launched by Russian air defense systems might have struck the plane.

President Aliyev, who was en route to a summit in St. Petersburg at the time of the incident, stressed the need for a thorough investigation, while noting that various theories exist but are premature to discuss. He stated that the public would be kept abreast of findings and progress.

The crash resulted in 38 fatalities, with 29 survivors receiving medical care. The victims included Azerbaijani, Russian, Kazakhstani, and Kyrgyzstani nationals. Azerbaijan Airlines is cooperating with the investigation and is providing support to victims’ families. The airline confirmed 37 of the deceased were Azerbaijani citizens.

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