Emergency specialists work at the crash site of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet near the western Kazakh city of Aktau on December 25, 2024. (Photo by Issa Tazhenbayev / AFP)

By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies

AKTAU, Kazakhstan – An Azerbaijan Airlines flight that crashed in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, killing 38 people, was likely downed by a Russian air defense system, according to four sources in Azerbaijan with knowledge of the investigation. 

Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, an Embraer passenger jet, was en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia when it deviated from its planned course and crashed near the city of Aktau. Russian authorities initially attributed the crash to a bird strike, but this explanation has been met with skepticism.  

Sources within the Azerbaijani investigation claim preliminary findings indicate a Russian Pantsir-S air defense system struck the plane and that electronic warfare systems disrupted its communications.

Moscow has vehemently denied these claims. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged against drawing premature conclusions, while Kazakh officials cautioned against speculating based on preliminary evidence. 

The crash has sparked international condemnation, with NATO calling for a full and transparent investigation into the incident.

Key Points:

• Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people.
• Evidence suggests the plane was struck by a Russian air defense system.  
• Russian officials deny these claims.
• The incident highlights the risks posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
• NATO has called for a full investigation.