The harrowing last words of the pilot of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight that tragically crashed on December 25, claiming 38 lives, have been revealed.

Evidence suggests that the Embraer E190AR jet may have been mistakenly targeted by a Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile launched from the Naursky district in Chechnya, Russia. The aircraft, initially presumed to have struck a flock of birds, was likely hit by Russian air defenses, mistaking it for a Ukrainian drone.

The damaged plane’s rear section, found intact at the crash site near Aktau in Kazakhstan, bore shrapnel damage consistent with a missile strike. Survivors also reported hearing an explosion outside the aircraft.

Sequence of Events

The flight, carrying 67 passengers and crew, was en route to Grozny, Chechnya, when Grozny airport was suddenly closed, forcing the pilots to seek alternative landing options. Partial transcripts of communications between the pilots and air traffic control detail a catastrophic sequence of events:

• 8:12 a.m.: The crew reported “both GPS lost” and requested vectoring back to Baku.
• 8:16 a.m.: The pilot reported a “bird strike in the cockpit” and control failure.
• 8:17 a.m.: The crew indicated a change of course to Mineralnye Vody airport in Russia but stated, “I can’t execute, control is lost.”
• 8:19 a.m.: The pilot reported high cabin pressure and stated, “My plane is losing control.”
• 8:22 a.m.: The crew noted hydraulic system failure. Despite this, they denied declaring an emergency, stating the aircraft was “in order.”

The aircraft disappeared from radar shortly after, reappearing near Aktau before crashing during a final attempt to land.

Investigation and Allegations

Reports from the Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which has ties to security services, suggest air defense units loyal to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov may have mistakenly fired at the plane. The channel claims a missile strike occurred about 18 kilometers from Grozny at an altitude of 2,400 meters.

Kazakhstan, where the plane crashed, has refused Russian and Azerbaijani participation in the investigation. Kazakh officials stated, “We will handle all facts, black box data, and evidence independently.”

Conflicting Narratives

Some Russian sources have attempted to blame the crash on a collision with a Ukrainian drone. However, investigative journalists from the Volya Telegram channel have dismissed this theory, stating that drones typically explode upon impact and do not cause shrapnel damage consistent with that found on the Embraer jet.

Volya reported that during the plane’s final descent, Grozny airport was closed due to suspected drone activity. In response, Pantsir-S1 missile systems reportedly began indiscriminately targeting aerial objects, including the passenger jet.

Aftermath

A Russian Emergencies Ministry aircraft has transported nine injured survivors, including a child, to Moscow for treatment. The crash left 29 survivors in total.

Ramzan Kadyrov has remained silent on the incident, but his nephew, Khamzat Kadyrov, Secretary of the Chechen Security Council, posted a video on social media showing a drone being shot down.

As investigations continue, many questions remain unanswered, with evidence pointing toward a preventable tragedy caused by a critical failure in judgment and coordination.

The Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) has described terrorism allegations against Nigeria and other member states by Niger Republic as “unfounded”, saying it is solidly behind its members.

Niger Republic had accused Nigeria and other ECOWAS members of colluding with France to destabilise the country.

However, ECOWAS in a statement on Thursday described the allegations as “unfounded”.

“The Commission of the Economic and West African Staes (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states.

“The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.

For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent.

“The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and security across the region.

“ECOWAS therefore, refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism,” the statement read in part.

ECOWAS then called on all states in the region to promote dialogue and stability and refrain from making accusations that are not supported by any evidence.

The Federal Government had on Thursday denied Niger Republic’s allegation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the rebuttal in a statement, amid claims by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria was working with France against his country.

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence that has erupted in Mozambique following its recent presidential elections.

Reports indicate that the unrest, concentrated in the capital city of Maputo and major cities like Beira and Nampula, has led to the loss of over 121 lives and left more than 380 people injured.

The violence reportedly began after Mozambique’s Constitutional Council confirmed Daniel Chapo of the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) as the winner of the presidential election with 65% of the vote. The opposition, rejecting the results, has raised tensions, triggering widespread protests and clashes.

In a statement issued by the Acting Spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Nigerian government called for calm, and urged all political actors in Mozambique to pursue legal avenues to address grievances.

Nigeria also extended its sympathies to the Mozambican government and the families of those affected by the crisis.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria advises aggrieved parties to explore appropriate legal means to seek redress.

“Our thoughts are with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and the families of all those affected by this dreadful crisis,” the statement read.

The Federal Government furth willer reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace and stability in Africa, and called for dialogue and restraint to resolve the unfolding conflict.