Photos of Azerbaijan Airlines crash reveal evidence of external attack Exclusive by AnewZ

AnewZ has obtained exclusive photos of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that tragically crashed near Aktau in December 2024, Caliber.Az reports.

The images, including interior shots of the aircraft fuselage, clearly depict signs of damage consistent with external interference. In particular, shrapnel impact marks are clearly visible, casting serious doubts on initial theories such as a bird strike or gas tank explosion.

According to Azerbaijani government sources, preliminary investigations suggest that the aircraft was struck by a missile fired from a Russian Pantsir-S air defence system while approaching Grozny. Earlier, Digital Development and Transport Minister Rashad Nabiyev confirmed that a rocket attack had occurred, though the type of missile remains under investigation. On his part, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the aircraft was unintentionally shot down by Russian air defences over Russian territory. President Aliyev demanded a full admission of guilt, punishment for those responsible, and compensation for the victims and their families. 

The investigation continues as authorities seek definitive answers.

To recall, the tragic crash occurred on December 25 when an Embraer 190 aircraft, operating flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Aktau. The flight had 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and five crew members. Passengers included 37 Azerbaijani, 16 Russian, 6 Kazakh, and 3 Kyrgyzstani nationals.

The crash claimed the lives of 38 people, while 29 survived.