US Suggests Russian Involvement in Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash Killing 38
The US has observed “early indications” that Russia may have caused the December 25 crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, killing 38 people, according to White House spokesperson John Kirby.
While Mr. Kirby refrained from providing details, he confirmed the US had offered assistance in the investigation.
Reports allege the plane encountered fire from Russian air defense systems near Grozny, Chechnya, before being diverted across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan, where it ultimately crashed.
The Kremlin declined to comment, but Russia’s civil aviation agency cited “complex conditions” in Chechnya, pointing to Ukrainian drone activity in the area.
Sources told The Washington Post that US evidence extends beyond images of the damaged aircraft. Aviation specialists in Azerbaijan suspect GPS jamming and shrapnel from Russian missiles contributed to the tragedy.
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Azerbaijan’s transport minister acknowledged “external interference,” confirming the aircraft was damaged both externally and internally during its descent. Survivor testimonies detailed hearing three blasts over Grozny.
Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s transport minister, announced an investigation into the type of weapon used. Pro-government MP Rasim Musabekov asserted the plane was hit in Russian airspace, claiming the pilot requested an emergency landing in Grozny but was diverted unnecessarily across the Caspian Sea.
Flight attendant Zulfuqar Asadov recounted the chaos when the plane was struck, leading to panic among passengers. Despite their efforts, the pilots perished while saving 29 lives by partially landing the aircraft.
Kazakh authorities are treating survivors and collaborating with Azerbaijan on the probe. However, Azerbaijan has rejected offers from Russia and Kazakhstan for a regional CIS-led investigation, demanding an international inquiry instead.
As investigations continue, international scrutiny grows over the role of Russian air defenses in this deadly incident.
US Suggests Russian Involvement in Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash Killing 38
