Vladimir Sharpatov: “… flight over Kandahar was all in a day’s work and was performed according to all international rules.
The so-called ammunition in the nature of Chinese rounds was transported through the air-corridor from Tirana, Albania, to Kabul, Afghanistan.
The ammunition was aimed to be transported to the country’s official government, which fought back against the rebel Taliban.”

While flying over Kandhar a command came from the earth: “76842, approach to land. This is an order!”
The voice spoke Russian. The reason was claimed “For cargo screening”.
The Taliban fight plane tailed IL-76, demonstrating seriousness of its intentions. Onboard engineer Butuzov suggested playing for time. Unfortunately this trick did not work. The second fight plane emerged from the airshed and got ready for the start. The warning message came from the earth: “Inflicting fire damage!”

Then was the so-called tribunal, though its decision was known from the very beginning.
The plane crew was placed in the “stone sack” under the supervision of guards. The stone sack had 5-meter walls and the only one window – the square 30x30 centimeters.
For more than a year diplomats made abortive attempts to pull the captives through, but all came to a dead lock.

The plane is waiting at the airfield. The take-off strip is mined, the fighter planes are in the air and the stingers are on the land. But they have no other chance to return home…