Azerbaijan Airlines Flight Crashes After Missile Strike

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 tragically crashed on Christmas Day, killing 38 of the 67 people on board, including both pilots and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva, who was praised for her efforts to calm passengers during the emergency. Witness accounts confirm that the aircraft was struck by a Russian surface-to-air missile while attempting to land in Grozny, leading to critical damage and a desperate diversion to Aktau, Kazakhstan. Despite the heroic actions of the crew, who prioritized passenger safety, they lost control of the plane just three kilometers from the airport. Nearly half of the passengers survived, with many attributing their survival to the flight attendant's reassuring presence amidst chaos. Azerbaijani officials are investigating the crash, citing 'external interference' and reports of shrapnel damage, while survivors recount the harrowing moments during the flight. Memorials are being established to honor the victims, reflecting the profound loss felt by the nation.