Azerbaijan’s President Accuses Russia of Downing Airliner and Cover-Up in Christmas Day Crash
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of accidentally shooting down an Azerbaijan Airlines plane on Christmas Day, leading to the tragic deaths of 38 people. Aliyev claimed Russia is attempting to cover up the true cause of the incident.
President Aliyev’s Statement
In a televised interview, Aliyev stated:
“We can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia. This is a fact. No one can deny this fact. Again, we are not saying that this was done intentionally, but it was done.”
The aircraft, bound for Grozny in Chechnya, was forced to make an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Initially, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency attributed the crash to a collision with birds. However, subsequent theories, including interference from Ukrainian combat drones and dense fog, have emerged.
Evidence Suggesting a Missile Strike
Experts and officials, including a U.S. source speaking to CNN, have pointed to damage on the plane resembling shrapnel from a missile strike. President Aliyev echoed these findings, saying:
“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 further suggested that the pilots may have mistaken the damage for a bird collision, adding:
“It would probably never have occurred to anyone that our plane might be fired at from the ground while flying over a country friendly to us.”
Accusations of Russian Electronic Warfare and Ground Fire
The Azerbaijani president claimed the plane was damaged over Russian territory due to electronic warfare systems that disrupted control. He also alleged that ground fire severely damaged the aircraft’s tail.
Russia’s Response
Russia’s narrative shifted after the crash, with Transport Minister Marat Karabayev claiming an oxygen tank explosion caused the disaster. Aliyev dismissed this as an attempt to deflect blame, describing it as:
“Another regrettable and surprising moment that clearly showed the Russian side wanted to cover up the issue.”
Putin’s Apology
Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized for the crash during a phone call with Aliyev, acknowledging that Russian air defenses were active at the time but stopping short of accepting responsibility. A follow-up conversation between the two leaders occurred, but no additional details were disclosed.
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Azerbaijan’s Rejection of Russian Investigators
Aliyev criticized Russia’s suggestion that the Interstate Aviation Committee investigate the incident, citing its heavy Russian influence:
“It is no secret that this organization consists mostly of Russian officials and is headed by Russian citizens.”
Call for Accountability
Aliyev urged Russia to take full responsibility, saying:
“Admitting guilt, apologizing in a timely manner to Azerbaijan, which is considered a friendly country, and informing the public about this – these were measures and steps that should have been taken.”
Instead, he accused Russia of offering “absurd theories” in the critical days following the tragedy.
Conclusion
Aliyev concluded that the shooting was accidental and ruled out the possibility of a deliberate attack:
“There can be no talk of a deliberate act of terror here.”
The crash has strained relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, with calls for transparency and accountability growing louder in the aftermath of the devastating incident.
