Mon Dec 30 02:15:38 UTC 2024: ## Azerbaijan Demands Justice After Russian Air Defense System Allegedly Shoots Down Airliner
**BAKU, Azerbaijan** – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of shooting down an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, resulting in the deaths of 38 people and injuring 29. Aliyev claims the Embraer 190 aircraft, flight 8432, was struck by ground fire over Russian territory on Wednesday, while en route from Baku to Grozny. He alleges the plane was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare before crashing in Kazakhstan.
Initially, the Kremlin attributed the crash to a bird strike, a claim dismissed by aviation experts as implausible given the extent of the damage. Aliyev expressed anger at the initial Russian account, describing it as “delirious” and accusing Moscow of attempting a cover-up.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered an apology for the “tragic incident,” Aliyev insists on full accountability. He demands a formal admission of guilt, punishment for those responsible, and compensation for the Azerbaijani state and the victims. Although Putin’s apology addressed one of Aliyev’s demands, the Azerbaijani President emphasized that Russia must still accept responsibility and ensure those responsible face criminal charges.
Russia has acknowledged opening a criminal investigation and announced a joint investigation with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. However, the Kremlin statement stopped short of confirming that Russian air defenses were responsible, stating only that they engaged Ukrainian drones in the vicinity. The incident occurred amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and Russia’s explanation appears to connect the downing of the airliner to its military activities.
The conflicting accounts and Azerbaijan’s firm demands have heightened tensions between the two countries. The outcome of the joint investigation and the fulfillment of Azerbaijan’s demands remain to be seen.
First Piper 