The downing of the Ukraine International Airlines flight happened just hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers, in response to last week’s attack which killed a senior Iranian military commander, Qaseem Solemani.
Iran has admitted to shooting down the airplane by accident, saying the Ukrainian plane was mistaken for a hostile target after it turned towards a sensitive military centre of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
The military statement also said it was at its “highest level of readiness amid the heightened tensions with the United States.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister called it human error at a time of crisis.” He 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 Iranians, 57 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians.
Previously, officials had said 63 Canadians were killed in the crash, but latest reports place the number at 57.
Vatican News.
