Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash Investigated

Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, traveling from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in the deaths of 38 out of 67 passengers. Preliminary investigations indicate that the aircraft may have been struck by a Russian anti-aircraft system, as Russian air defenses were reportedly engaged against Ukrainian drone attacks in the region at the time. The airline and Azerbaijan's transport minister cited 'physical external interference' as a factor in the crash, with survivors reporting hearing explosions during the flight. Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the incident, while officials from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have urged caution against speculation until the investigation concludes. The Kremlin has not commented on the possibility of a missile strike but noted the complex situation at Grozny Airport, where the plane attempted to land amidst drone attacks. The recovery of the plane's black boxes is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the disaster.