• Source:JND
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Azerbaijan Airlines has attributed the tragic crash of its Flight J2-8243 in Kazakhstan to ‘external physical and technical interference’, according to a statement released on Friday. The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, claimed the lives of 38 people onboard.

The flight carried 67 passengers and crew members. Among the deceased were the two pilots, a flight attendant, and 35 passengers. Despite the devastation, 29 individuals survived the crash, as confirmed by Kazakh authorities.

Kazakhstan's aviation officials and Azerbaijan Airlines are jointly investigating the incident, aiming to uncover the nature and source of the alleged interference. In its initial statement, Azerbaijan Airlines pledged full cooperation with international and Kazakh investigators to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crash.

The crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 was earlier reported to have been caused by a Russian air defence system, according to unnamed Azerbaijani sources cited by Reuters. Russia, however, claimed the plane was diverted from Grozny, Chechnya, due to Ukrainian drone activity and fog. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, stated that Ukrainian drones were attacking civilian infrastructure in Grozny and Vladikavkaz during the attempted landing.

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Azerbaijan Airlines Statement

"This decision, made in accordance with the Azerbaijan State Civil Aviation Authority, is based on the preliminary results of the investigation into the crash of the Embraer 190 aircraft operating the Baku-Grozny flight J2-8243 of Azerbaijan Airlines due to physical and technical external interference and considers potential risks to flight safety. The suspension will remain in effect until the completion of the final investigation," the statement read.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan Airlines also announced the suspension of flights to 10 Russian cities starting December 28, citing preliminary crash findings that attribute the incident to ‘physical and technical external interference’ and potential flight safety risks.

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Azerbaijan Airlines Crash Linked To Russian Air Defense System

A US official informed CNN that preliminary evidence suggests a Russian anti-aircraft system may have downed Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, stated that Ukrainian drones were attacking civilian infrastructure in Grozny and Vladikavkaz, leading to the closure of the region's airspace. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to land in Grozny twice and was offered alternative airports but chose to proceed to Aktau, Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea. Dense fog further complicated the landing attempts in Grozny.