What happened
A government-operated flight, traveling from Algiers with a scheduled stop in Nicosia before proceeding to Tehran, was performing an official mission involving members of the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aircraft was transporting a total of 14 fatalities, consisting of four crew members, one journalist, and nine officials, including the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
While the aircraft was cruising at 37,000 feet within Iraqi airspace, air traffic control issued instructions for the flight to exit the country and divert toward Ankara. Shortly after receiving these instructions, the plane was targeted by an Iraqi MiG-25PD. Following the engagement, the aircraft lost stability and entered a steep dive, ultimately crashing into mountainous terrain near Qatur. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the primary reason for the loss of the aircraft was that it was shot down by an Iraqi fighter jet during its transit through the region.