Iran says it unintentionally shot down Ukrainian Airliner
(VOVWORLD) - Iran acknowledged that it "unintentionally" shot down a Ukrainian International Airlines passenger jet early Wednesday, killing all 176 people aboard, according to a military statement on state TV cited by The AP.
 A passenger plane bound for Kiev crashed a few minutes after taking off from Tehran’s main international airport, killing 176 people, on January 8, 2020. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The statement, which was released Saturday morning local time, said the plane was mistaken for a "hostile target" after it turned toward a "sensitive military center" of the Revolutionary Guard, the AP reported. It also blamed the "highest level of readiness" resulting from tensions with the United States.
Iran's president Hassan Rouhani offered his apologies and condolences on Twitter. "The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake," he said.