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The Baku-Grozny Flight Incident refers to the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, which occurred on December 25, 2024, near the airport in Aktau, Kazakhstan. The incident has sparked significant international attention due to conflicting reports about its cause and allegations of missile involvement

Flight Details

Preliminary reports indicated that the flight encountered technical difficulties shortly after entering Kazakh airspace over the Caspian Sea. However, surviving passengers and fragments of the aircraft suggested external damage to the rear fuselage, raising suspicions of an external attack.

The pilots reportedly attempted an emergency landing at Aktau International Airport but failed to stabilize the aircraft, resulting in a crash just before reaching the runway. Despite the catastrophic nature of the crash, 53 passengers survived, though many sustained injuries.

Crash Circumstances

Preliminary reports indicated that the flight encountered technical difficulties shortly after entering Kazakh airspace over the Caspian Sea. However, surviving passengers and fragments of the aircraft suggested external damage to the rear fuselage, raising suspicions of an external attack.

The pilots reportedly attempted an emergency landing at Aktau International Airport but failed to stabilize the aircraft, resulting in a crash just before reaching the runway. Despite the catastrophic nature of the crash, 53 passengers survived, though many sustained injuries.

Conflicting Reports

Official Kazakh Statement

The Kazakh authorities initially attributed the crash to a bird strike and dismissed claims of foul play. Several government officials emphasized that no evidence supported the theory of an external attack.

Emerging Theories

Independent investigations and statements from survivors contradicted the official narrative. Multiple sources alleged that the aircraft was struck by a missile fired by Russian air defense systems over the Caspian Sea. Some reports suggested that the crew was instructed to divert to Aktau instead of landing in Makhachkala, Russia, to obscure evidence. The rear fuselage, found with significant perforations resembling shrapnel damage, became a focal point for speculation, with experts suggesting it aligned with characteristics of a missile strike.

International Reactions

Azerbaijan: Expressed deep concern over the incident, urging Kazakhstan to cooperate with international investigators.

Russia: Dismissed allegations of missile involvement, calling them "politically motivated."

Western Nations: The United States and European Union called for an independent investigation, with some officials suggesting the incident could have broader geopolitical implications.

Sources

1. www.euronews.com https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/26/exclusive-preliminary-investigation-confirms-russian-missile-over-grozny-caused-aktau-cras. Retrieved 2024-12-27. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
2. "Russia warns against 'hypotheses' in Azerbaijan Airlines crash". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
3. "Azerbaijan Airlines crash: authorities urge against speculation". euronews. 2024-12-26. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
4. Liebermann, Catherine Nicholls, Hassan Tayir, Oren (2024-12-26). "Early indications suggest Russian anti-aircraft system may have downed Azerbaijani jet, US official says. Here's what we know". CNN. Retrieved 2024-12-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)