Azerbaijan accuses Russia of shooting down airliner in Christmas Day tragedy

In a shocking revelation, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of unintentionally shooting down an Azerbaijan Airlines plane on Christmas Day, resulting in the deaths of 38 people. The incident, initially attributed to a bird strike, has sparked international scrutiny and calls for accountability.

Speaking in a televised interview, Aliyev stated, “We can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia. This is a fact.” While emphasizing that the act was likely unintentional, he described the event as a grave mistake.

The ill-fated flight was en route to Grozny, Chechnya, when it was forced to make an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Preliminary reports from Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency suggested that the crash was caused by a bird strike. However, this narrative shifted, with subsequent claims citing Ukrainian combat drones and dense fog as potential factors that forced the plane out of Russian airspace.

New evidence, including perforations in the aircraft’s fuselage consistent with shrapnel damage, has raised questions about the initial explanations. Experts, including a U.S. official speaking to CNN, have pointed to indications that the plane was likely struck by a Russian air defense system.

“The fact that the fuselage is riddled with holes indicates that the theory of the plane hitting a flock of birds… is completely removed from the agenda,” Aliyev asserted during his interview. He added that the pilots may have initially mistaken the incident for a bird strike due to the unexpected nature of being targeted over what he described as a “friendly country.”

The accusation has further strained relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, though Aliyev stopped short of alleging intentional action. “We are not saying that this was done intentionally, but it was done,” he stated.

The tragic incident has drawn attention to aviation safety and the dangers posed by military activity near civilian air routes. While Russian authorities have yet to provide a conclusive response to the allegations, the incident underscores the complexities of operating in airspace impacted by geopolitical tensions.

As investigations continue, families of the victims and the international community await clarity and accountability. The incident has also reignited concerns over the broader implications of military operations affecting civilian aviation, with calls for stricter measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.