Azerbaijan Protests as Moscow Accused of Unintentionally Downing Civilian Plane
A diplomatic row has erupted between Azerbaijan and Russia after a civilian plane was shot down over the Caucasus region, killing all 23 people on board. The Azerbaijani government has accused Moscow of mistakenly targeting the plane, which was flying from Baku to Istanbul.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, when the Boeing 737-800 passenger jet was hit by a missile while flying over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The plane crashed in a mountainous area, and rescue teams were unable to reach the wreckage until the following morning.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has condemned the incident, saying that it was a "clear example of aggression" by Russia. He demanded an immediate explanation from Moscow and called for an international investigation into the incident.
Russia's Defense Ministry has denied any involvement in the downing of the plane, saying that it was not operating in the area at the time. However, Azerbaijani officials have produced evidence, including radar data and eyewitness accounts, that suggests a Russian missile system was responsible for the attack.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage in Azerbaijan, with many calling for tougher action against Russia. The country's parliament has convened an emergency session to discuss the incident, and protests have been held outside the Russian embassy in Baku.
The international community has also condemned the incident, with the United States, European Union, and NATO all issuing statements calling for a thorough investigation.
"We are deeply concerned by the reports of the downing of a civilian plane over Azerbaijan," said a spokesperson for the US State Department. "We urge all parties to exercise restraint and to work towards a peaceful resolution to this incident."
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of civilian air travel in the region. The disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh has been the site of numerous conflicts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and there have been several incidents of civilian planes being shot down in the area.
The Azerbaijani government has announced that it will be conducting its own investigation into the incident, and has called on international experts to assist. The country's president has also vowed to take "all necessary measures" to protect the safety of its citizens.
As the investigation into the incident continues, tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia remain high. The incident has highlighted the complex and volatile nature of the region, and has raised concerns about the potential for further conflict.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that it was "deeply concerned" by the incident, but denied any involvement. The ministry also called for a "thorough and impartial" investigation into the incident.
The Azerbaijani government has rejected Russia's denials, saying that it has evidence that proves Moscow's involvement. The country's president has also accused Russia of trying to cover up its role in the incident.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of Russia in the region. Moscow has long been involved in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, and has provided military support to Armenia.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the downing of the Azerbaijani plane has sparked a major diplomatic crisis between Azerbaijan and Russia, and has raised concerns about the safety of civilian air travel in the region.
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