Russian Air Defences Suspected in Azerbaijan Airlines Crash that Killed 38

The flight had taken off from Baku, Azerbaijan, and was headed to Grozny, Russia, but was rerouted due to fog.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the crash may have been caused by a Russian surface-to-air missile, specifically a Pantsir-S1, which was fired at the aircraft while it was flying over Grozny. Azerbaijani government sources have confirmed this, stating that the missile detonated near the plane, injuring passengers and crew members.

Survivors reported hearing an explosion and seeing shrapnel hit the plane, while images from the crash site show significant perforating holes on the tail surfaces. The crew had reported a strong impact on the fuselage, initially assumed to be from birds, but later investigations suggest otherwise.

The Kremlin has stated that they will not comment on the causes of the plane crash until the results of the investigation are announced. NATO has called for a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has declared a day of national mourning, and the country's flag has been lowered to half-mast.

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