Update from Buzzfeed. Even the terrorists sound surprised that they shot down a passenger plane:
English translation of the conversation intercepted by SBU. Kyiv Post’s Chris Miller reports that the conversation is between Igor Bezler, a Russian military intelligence officer and a leading commander of the Donetsk People’s Republic.
Igor Bezler: We have just shot down a plane. Group Minera. It fell down beyond Yenakievo.
Vasili Geranin: Pilots. Where are the pilots?
IB: Gone to search for and photograph the plane. It’s smoking.
VG: How many minutes ago?
IB: About 30 minutes ago.
SBU comment: After examining the site of the plane the terrorists come to the conclusion that they have shot down a civilian plane. The next part of the conversation took place about 40 minutes later.
“Major”: These are Chernukhin folks show down the plane. From the Chernukhin check point. Those cossacks who are based in Chernukhino.
“Grek”: Yes, Major.
“Major”: The plane fell apart in the air. In the area of Petropavlovskaya mine. The first “200” (code word for dead person). We have found the first “200.” A Civilian.
“Greek”: Well, what do you have there?
“Major”: In short, it was 100 percent a passenger (civilian) aircraft.
“Greek”: Are many people there?
“Major”: Holy sh__t! The debris fell right into the yards (of homes).
“Greek”: What kind of aircraft?
“Major”: I haven’t ascertained this. I haven’t been to the main sight. I am only surveying the scene where the first bodies fell. There are the remains of internal brackets, seats, and bodies.
“Greek”: Is there anything left of the weapon?
“Major”: Absolutely nothing. Civilian items, medicinal stuff, towels, toilet paper.
“Greek”: Are there documents?
“Major”: Yes, of one Indonesian student. From a university in Thompson.
Nationalities of Passengers:
Malaysia Airlines released an initial list Thursday evening of the nationalities of those on board MH 17 — they said there were 154 Dutch, 27 Australian, 23 Malaysian, 11 Indonesian, six British, four Germans, four Belgians, three Filipinos, and one Canadian passenger on the flight. All 15 crew members were Malaysian nationals. The rest of the nationalities of those on board are yet to be identified.
~~buzzfeed.com