Kremlin Cautions on Speculation in Azerbaijan Airlines Crash

The Kremlin has urged restraint regarding theories about the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, which killed 38 of the 67 people onboard near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Aviation experts and reports have suggested a Russian anti-aircraft system may have mistakenly targeted the flight, sparking international scrutiny.

The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, attempted an emergency landing but crashed 1.8 miles from Aktau airport. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasized waiting for official investigation results before drawing conclusions. Similarly, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev cautioned against premature speculation.

Matthew Borie, Chief Intelligence Officer at Osprey Flight Solutions, said the wreckage and surrounding circumstances indicate the flight might have been shot down by Russian air defenses during an operation targeting Ukrainian drones. A U.S. official echoed this theory, citing Russia’s aggressive airspace actions amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev echoed the call for patience, confirming the launch of a national investigation. He attributed the flight’s diversion to worsening weather and declared a national day of mourning.

The crash has led airlines like Israel’s El Al to adjust routes in the region temporarily. The Kazakh Emergencies Ministry confirmed 29 survivors, including two children. Investigations by Azerbaijani, Kazakh, and Russian authorities continue, as international pressure mounts for clarity on the tragedy.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com