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Baku: Azerbaijani government sources have confirmed that a Russian surface-to-air missile caused the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 near Aktau on Wednesday. The incident occurred amid heightened drone activity in the region, according to reports.
The missile, reportedly fired from a Russian Pantsir-S air defense system, exploded near the aircraft while it was in mid-flight, causing shrapnel to strike passengers and crew. Azerbaijani media outlet AnewZ cited government sources confirming the involvement of the missile.
The crash took place as the flight was passing over Chechnya, where Russian forces were actively targeting Ukrainian drones at the time. Russian sources suggested that the missile strike occurred inadvertently during the defense operation.
Questions remain about the sequence of events following the incident, including why the plane was not authorized to land at a nearby Russian airport despite sustaining critical damage. Instead, it was instructed to continue its flight over the Caspian Sea.
An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of the crash, including the decision-making that led to the aircraft’s failed attempt to reach safety. The tragedy highlights growing risks for civilian flights in regions affected by military activity.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
