An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 of 67 passengers. Survivors reported hearing thuds and explosions from outside the aircraft before the crash.

The plane, rerouted from Grozny due to heavy fog, showed signs of external damage, with bullet holes observed in the wreckage.

Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are investigating, with early indications suggesting possible Russian air defense involvement.

U.S. officials noted preliminary evidence pointing to a Russian surface-to-air missile strike, while Russia blamed Ukrainian drone activity in the region, ABC News has reported.

Flights between Azerbaijan and several Russian cities have been suspended pending investigation results.

Written by B.C. Begley