Iran strikes Azerbaijan for the first time: Drone hits Nakhchivan International Airport
Iran carries out first strike on Azerbaijan (photo: Getty Images)
Iran attacked Azerbaijan on Thursday, March 5. A drone struck Nakhchivan International Airport, according to the Report and press service of Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry.
As reported, a drone launched from the territory of Iran hit an airport building and exploded. Fire broke out at the scene. Witnesses filmed the moment of the attack on video.
The country's Foreign Ministry said another Iranian drone fell near a school building in the village of Shakarabad.
"We strongly condemn these drone attacks launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and injuries to two civilians," the ministry stressed.
It noted that the attack on the territory of Azerbaijan contradicts norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tension in the region.
"We demand from the Islamic Republic of Iran to provide, within the shortest possible timeframe, a clear explanation regarding the case, conduct an appropriate investigation, and take the necessary urgent measures to ensure that such attacks are not repeated in the future," the Foreign Ministry added.
The Azerbaijani side reserves the right to take appropriate response measures.
Iran's ambassador to Azerbaijan has already been summoned to the Foreign Ministry. The Iranian side will be presented with a strong protest and a corresponding note of protest.
Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense said it is preparing response measures to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and attack from Iran will not remain without response.
Technical parameters of Iranian drones and details of attacks on Azerbaijan are currently being studied.
Azerbaijan deploys air defense and moves forces to the Iranian border
Earlier, Azerbaijan strengthened its military presence on the border with Iran and put part of its army on heightened combat readiness. Units were redeployed to border areas, and leave for military personnel was canceled.
According to journalists, the Azerbaijani command issued an urgent order to strengthen defense in the southern direction, as the situation along the border stretching more than 700 kilometers is becoming increasingly tense.
At the same time, the authorities of Azerbaijan stated they are trying to maintain a diplomatic tone, saying that all military maneuvers have "exclusively defensive character."
Officials emphasize that the priority now is to strengthen the state border and prevent possible provocations from the air.
However, analysts point out that such activity by Baku is a direct response to geopolitical turbulence in the region. The risk that conflicts in the Middle East could affect neighboring countries is forcing Azerbaijan to act in advance.
