The Il-76 cargo plane that was shot down over Sudan on October 21 had been removed from Kyrgyzstan’s list of civilian aircraft earlier this year.
According to a statement by the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry, the aircraft, originally registered as EX-76011, was officially excluded from Kyrgyzstan’s civil aviation registry on January 12, 2024, and was subsequently transferred to the registration of Sudan.
This development followed reports of the tragic incident involving the aircraft, which crashed in a conflict zone in Sudan.
The Il-76, a Soviet-designed heavy transport plane, has been widely used in various capacities globally, particularly in conflict-affected regions due to its cargo-carrying capabilities and versatility.
In addition to clarifying the aircraft’s registration status, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry addressed concerns about the presence of Kyrgyz citizens onboard.
According to the Ministry, the document (or badge) found at the crash site belonged to Viktor Granov, a Russian national employed by “Airline Transport Incorporation FZC,” and not to anyone affiliated with Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Furthermore, Kyrgyzstan’s Embassy in Saudi Arabia has requested further information through diplomatic channels, affirming that, based on preliminary data, no Kyrgyz nationals were on board the downed aircraft.
The Foreign Ministry stressed that it is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
This incident comes amidst heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in Sudan, where multiple armed groups have been battling for control, creating a volatile environment for both local and international operations.
