AnewZ: AZAL Plane Crash: Investigation in Russia Confirms Missile Strike

Russian investigators have confirmed that the crash of flight 8243, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), was the result of a missile strike, according to new findings from sources close to the investigation, as reported by the Azerbaijani pro-government outlet AnewZ. The missile, identified as a Pantsir-S1 air defense system, was reportedly launched from Russian territory, with the system having been transferred to Russia from Syria. Additionally, sources suggest that electronic warfare systems were used to disrupt the plane's control systems before the fatal crash.

Russian officials have reportedly identified both the individual responsible for launching the missile and the official who issued the order. However, their identities have not yet been publicly disclosed. It remains unclear whether Russia will take steps to reveal their names or avoid further accountability. The AnewZ team is working to verify the authenticity of this information.

Diplomatic sources confirm that Azerbaijan remains determined to demand full accountability and will not allow the case to be dismissed. If Russia attempts to evade responsibility, Azerbaijan has made it clear that it intends to take the matter to international courts.

This development aligns with earlier findings from Azerbaijan's investigation, which initially suggested an external explosion as the likely cause of the crash. High-resolution imagery and forensic analysis of the wreckage further support the missile strike theory, ruling out pilot error or technical malfunction as contributing factors.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, RashadNabiyev, noted that preliminary results had already excluded any internal malfunctions or human error, reinforcing the missile strike theory. PresidentIlhamAliyevalsoemphasizedAzerbaijan'sfirmstance, stating:

"Today, we can definitively say that the plane was shot down by Russia. This is a fact, and no one can deny it. Once again, we are not saying it was intentional, but it happened. We have clearly outlined our demands to the Russian side. First, Russia must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must acknowledge its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished, held criminally accountable, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, affected passengers, and crew members. These are our conditions."

With Russian investigators confirming the involvement of the Pantsir-S1 missile system, all eyes are now on Moscow's response. Any attempt to obscure the findings or shift blame is likely to exacerbate tensions, particularly as Azerbaijan's leadership maintains a resolute position in pursuing justice. Armed with international legal avenues, Baku is prepared to take the matter to court if necessary.

The investigative team at AnewZ continues to closely monitor the case as demands for full disclosure grow and calls for accountability intensify.