New 'Ghost Island' Emerges Off Azerbaijan's Coast Due to Mud Volcano Activity

Recent investigations by Russian sources indicate that Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 was likely downed by a missile launched from a Pantsir-S1 air defense system that was transferred from Syria to Russia. This development was reported by Azerbaijan-based news channel AnewZ and has been shared with European outlets for the first time. The incident occurred on December 25 as the aircraft was approaching Grozny, leading to significant control malfunctions and ultimately crashing near Aktau airport in Kazakhstan. Reports suggest that electronic warfare systems were employed against the aircraft, affecting its navigation. Russian investigators have purportedly identified both the individual who fired the missile and the officer who provided the launch order. Azerbaijan's government has reacted strongly, demanding accountability from Russia, with possible recourse to international courts if necessary. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev outlined three demands to Russia: an apology, an admission of guilt, and punishment of those responsible, along with compensation for victims. Kremlin's acknowledgment of the incident has been minimal, stopping short of accepting responsibility. As investigations continue, Kazakhstan has decided to send the aircraft's flight recorders to Brazil for a comprehensive analysis. The collaboration with Azerbaijan indicates a commitment to transparency surrounding the tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 38 passengers.

Azerbaijan is escalating tensions with Russia following the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, which resulted in the tragic loss of 38 lives. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has adamantly stated that the plane was shot down from the ground as it approached its landing zone in Grozny, Russia. While the Kremlin has acknowledged air defense operations were underway, it has refrained from admitting any involvement in the incident. Aliyev has criticized Moscow for what he describes as a "concealment" of the true causes surrounding the crash and has called for an impartial investigation into the matter. The Armenian leader has expressed discontent over the handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the victims. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Russian experts are cooperating fully with the investigation and expressed a desire for a thorough and objective inquiry into the catastrophe. However, despite calls for acknowledgment of responsibility, Moscow has not publicly accepted blame for the shooting down of the aircraft. In a series of phone calls made to Aliyev following the disaster, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed regret over the incident occurring in Russian airspace but did not concede responsibility. Azerbaijani authorities have reportedly found evidence supporting claims that the aircraft was struck by a missile from the Russian air defenses, leading to increasing calls for accountability from Baku.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has escalated rhetoric against Armenia, calling its leadership a "source of threat" and labeling the state as "essentially fascist." These comments were made in a televised interview, suggesting that "fascism must be eradicated" either by Armenia's leadership or by Azerbaijan. This statement raises concerns about the potential for renewed conflict between the two nations, which have a long history of hostilities over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenia, which lost control of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan in September 2023, has seen the majority of its Armenian population flee to Armenian territory as a result of the conflict. Both countries are currently attempting to negotiate a peace treaty. However, Aliyev's recent comments have been met with a warning from Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who accused Baku of seeking to justify further escalation in the region. While both sides express a desire to finalize a treaty, significant tensions persist, including Armenia's rearming efforts and Azerbaijan's demands for constitutional changes in Armenia that would remove claims to Azerbaijani territory. Peace talks have been hindered by a lack of formal diplomatic ties and a heavily militarized border. Despite the harsh language, Aliyev stated his desire to avoid further war, despite previous indications of Azerbaijan's territorial claims on parts of Armenia.