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US Official Suggests Russian Air Defence Systems Downed Azerbaijani Airliner
Team Finance Saathi
28/Dec/2024
What's Covered in the Article:
- US official claims Russian air defence systems may have brought down the Azerbaijani airliner.
- Azerbaijan’s minister cites expert analysis and survivor testimony pointing to external impact.
- Pressure builds on Russia as investigation into the airliner crash intensifies.
A US official has raised the possibility that Russian air defence systems may have been responsible for bringing down an Azerbaijani airliner on Wednesday. This statement follows comments from Nabiyev, Azerbaijan's minister of digital development and transportation, who cited both expert analysis and survivor accounts to suggest that the plane was hit by an external weapon. Nabiyev confirmed that preliminary conclusions by experts indicate external impact, and witness testimonies also support this theory. The exact type of weapon used will be determined during the ongoing investigation, according to Nabiyev’s statements to Azerbaijani media.
US Official's Statement
On Friday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the US government had seen some early indications that Russian air defence systems could have been responsible for downing the jet. However, Kirby did not elaborate further, citing the ongoing investigation. The Azerbaijani Airlines flight was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, to Grozny, the regional capital of Chechnya, Russia, when it crashed while attempting to land in Kazakhstan. Tragically, 38 people were killed, and 29 survivors were left injured.
The US official's comments have raised significant attention, especially given that earlier, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation pointed to external impact based on survivor accounts and expert evaluations. These statements are now adding pressure on Russia to clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash, as Russian air defences have been suggested as a potential cause.
Survivor Testimonies and Investigation
Passengers and crew members who survived the crash have also provided eyewitness accounts, with many reporting hearing loud noises from the aircraft as it circled over Grozny before the crash. These testimonies align with the theory that the plane was hit by some kind of weapon during its descent, adding credibility to the claims of an external impact.
When asked whether the US had specific intelligence that led to its conclusion, Kirby confirmed the presence of such intelligence but declined to offer further details. This has led to increased speculation and a tense situation, as both Azerbaijan and Russia prepare for a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash.
Russia's Response to the Allegations
In response to the claims, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has refrained from commenting on whether Russian air defences were involved in the downing of the plane. Peskov stated that Russia would await the official investigation's findings before making any judgments about the cause of the crash. He emphasized that it would not be appropriate to make any assessments until the investigation is concluded.
Political Implications
The investigation into the crash has now become a focal point for rising tensions between Russia, Azerbaijan, and the United States. While the full details of what led to the tragedy are yet to be confirmed, the involvement of Russian air defences could have significant geopolitical ramifications, particularly considering the already delicate relationships in the region. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Russia’s involvement, whether directly or indirectly, will have long-term consequences for its international relations.
The ongoing investigation will likely provide more clarity in the coming weeks, as both countries and international bodies continue to examine the evidence surrounding this tragic event. This incident underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in investigating air accidents, particularly those involving potential military hardware and national security risks.