Crashed Azerbaijani plane killing 38 people was shot by Russia: With "Pantsir-S" air defence system

Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane that crashed in Kazakhstan on December 25, killing 38 people on board, had been attacked by Russian "Pantsir-S" air defence system, according to preliminary investigation, Azerbaijan’s Caliber news agency reported on Thursday. Citing unnamed government sources, the publication stated that the Embraer 190 belonging to the airline was shot before approaching Checnya’s Capital Groznyy where it was bound to travel. Moreover, as a result of Russia’s use of electronic warfare systems, the communication system of the Embraer 190 was completely paralyzed, causing the aircraft disappear from radar of Russian airspace. Caliber reminded that during the time of Azerbaijani Airline plane’s flight over Chechnya, Russian air defence systems were attempting to down Ukrainian drones over the North Caucasus republic. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadirov earlier confirmed that a drone attack occurred over the republic on December 25, while stating that there were no casualties or damage during the attack. Caliber went on to blame Russia for not closing its airspace to civilian aircraft. “Why a no-fly zone was not declared over Chechnya remains a significant question,” the website questioned. It should be noted that the flight was diverted from Chechnya airport and was also denied landing permission in Makhachkala and Mineralnye Vody cities. Reminding that the plane was diverted to Kazakhstan’s Aktau city, Caliber stressed: “ It can be assumed that recommendation was given with one goal: to have the aircraft crash into the Caspian Sea, where all witnesses would perish and the aircraft would sink.”The website recalled that video footage from the aircraft cabin indicate that two passengers were injured by shrapnel, stressing that all eyewitness testimony, including reports of explosions heard outside the aircraft, points to the involvement of air defence systems. Acknowledging that the plane was not shot down intentionally, Caliber also called on Russia to issue an official apology to the Azerbaijani people, and conduct a full investigation. It should be noted that 29 passengers on board survived the crash.