Reports indicate that the AZAL Embraer passenger plane that crashed in Kazakhstan may have been struck by Russian air defense systems. Investigators have allegedly identified traces of air defense system damage on parts of the fuselage.

The plane reportedly flew through Grozny’s airspace, where it was potentially mistaken for a drone during Russian attempts to intercept Ukrainian UAVs.

Subhonkul Rakhimov, one of the surviving passengers, recounted hearing an explosion:
“While trying to land the plane in Grozny, something exploded. There was an explosion—not inside the plane. Where I was sitting, the skin of the plane flew off.”

Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to Grozny and Makhachkala pending an investigation into the crash. Speculation online suggests the plane could have been unintentionally targeted by a Russian missile.