Azerbaijan Accuses Russia of Role in Deadly Plane Crash.
Azerbaijani President Accuses Russia’s Role in AZAL Crash
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia’s role in AZAL crash, claiming that a Russian air defense system fired on an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger jet before it crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 out of the 67 people on board. The crash occurred as the plane attempted to land in Grozny, Chechnya, with Azerbaijani officials suggesting that Russian involvement may have caused the incident. Aliyev’s accusations have escalated tensions between Azerbaijan and its traditional ally, Russia. This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about Russia’s role in the AZAL crash and its potential impact on diplomatic relations.
Claims of External Interference and Damage
In a televised interview, Aliyev revealed that the AZAL flight was damaged externally over Russian territory, near Grozny, and almost lost control. He stated that the plane was affected by both electronic warfare and ground fire, severely damaging its tail. While Aliyev acknowledged that the damage might have been accidental, he criticized Russia for initially attempting to cover up the cause of the crash, dismissing early Russian explanations, such as a bird strike, as “absurd.” Aliyev demanded that Russia take full responsibility for the incident and issue an apology to Azerbaijan for its role in the AZAL crash.
Azerbaijan Demands Accountability from Russia
Aliyev’s strong remarks came just after a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed regret over the tragedy but did not admit fault. The Azerbaijani president outlined several demands for Russia, including an official apology, acknowledgment of responsibility, punishment for those accountable, and compensation for the victims and their families. The United States and the European Union have also called for a swift and independent investigation into the crash. The investigation continues as both nations navigate rising diplomatic tensions regarding Russia’s role in the AZAL crash.
