Kazakh Report: Azerbaijani Plane Likely Hit by External Objects Before Crash

A preliminary investigation report has revealed that an Azerbaijani passenger plane, which crashed on December 25 near Aktau, Kazakhstan, likely suffered damage from 'external objects' before the incident, leading to the deaths of 38 individuals. This report, released by the Kazakh Transport Ministry, highlighted puncture damage and included photographs of foreign metal objects found in the aircraft's tail section. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has suggested that the plane was accidentally shot at from the ground in Russia, a claim that has not been confirmed by Moscow, though Russian President Putin issued an apology for the incident. The Kremlin has focused on opening a criminal case rather than admitting to any responsibility. As investigations continue, the black boxes from the aircraft have been sent to Brazil for further analysis. Calls for accountability have been made by Aliyev amid ongoing scrutiny of Russia's actions during the flight's diversion from southern Russia to Kazakhstan.