Investigators analyze remains of the Ukraine International Airlines plane that crashed outside Tehran on 8 January

WORLD

Iran admits military shot down passenger jet

Iran has admitted that its military mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet earlier this week killing all 176 people aboard in the tense aftermath of a US strike that killed a top Iranian General. Pope Francis and many other Church leaders have called for constructive dialogue and the rejection of further violence.

By Nathan Morley

The downing of the Ukraine International Airlines flight happened just hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing US soldiers, in response to last week’s attack which killed a senior Iranian military commander, Qaseem Solemani.

State media carried the military statement. It said the Ukrainian plane was mistaken for a hostile target after it turned towards a sensitive military centre of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

Furthermore, the military said it was at its ‘highest level of readinesses amid the heightened tensions with the United States.

Iran’s Foreign Minister said ‘human error at a time of crisis,’ was caused by US adventurism. In addition, sent apologies to his own people, to the families of all the victims and to others affected.

Iran has said those responsible for the strike would be prosecuted.

The jetliner was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew, including 82 Iranian’, 57 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians.

Listen to the report by Nathan Morley