The US has revealed early indications that Russia may have been involved in the downing of an Azerbaijani Airlines plane, as eyewitness accounts and technical insights suggest it was targeted while attempting to land in Chechnya. With 38 fatalities, the investigation faces calls for international oversight amid rising tensions.
US Points to Russia in Azerbaijan Airlines Crash Investigation
US Points to Russia in Azerbaijan Airlines Crash Investigation
White House spokesperson John Kirby suggests initial evidence implicates Russian air defense in the downing of an Azerbaijani passenger plane, raising significant concerns over aviation safety and international accountability.
On December 25, an Azerbaijani Airlines plane tragically crashed, resulting in the loss of 38 lives. In a recent press conference, US White House spokesman John Kirby announced that early indications suggest Russian involvement in the incident, marking a potential escalation in geopolitical tensions and concerns regarding air travel safety in the region.
Kirby refrained from divulging detailed information but confirmed that the US is prepared to help with the ongoing investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft came under fire from Russian air defense systems as it attempted to land in Chechnya, leading to a diversion across the Caspian Sea into Kazakhstan, where the crash ultimately occurred.
The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped about the developments, although Alexander Neradko, head of Russia's civil aviation agency, noted the heightened complexities in Chechnya due to ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes.
Details concerning the crash have been gathered from multiple sources, including eyewitness accounts from survivors. Reports indicate that the plane's GPS signals may have been compromised by electronic jamming, which could have contributed to its loss of control. Azerbaijani transport officials have hinted at "external interference," suggesting damage both externally and internally as the aircraft attempted to land.
Survivor Rashad Nabiyev reported hearing three distinct blasts while the plane was in the skies above Grozny. Investigators are now looking into the type of weaponry used during the incident, while pro-government MP Rasim Musabekov asserted that the plane was shot down over Russian airspace, and called the denial of such evidence implausible.
Flight attendant Zulfuqar Asadov described the chaos that ensued during the strikes, highlighting the devastating impact on passengers, while the pilots, despite the catastrophic circumstances, were credited with saving 29 lives by managing a partial landing before losing their own.
As investigations continue, the Kremlin has stated they would not comment further until conclusive findings are released. Kazakh officials are providing medical assistance to the injured and have expressed commitment to collaborating with Azerbaijan during the inquiry. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's calls for an international investigation stand in contrast to suggestions for a probe by the Commonwealth of Independent States, further complicating diplomatic relations in the aftermath of this tragic event.
