Iran Strikes with Drones in Former Soviet Republic 0 11

Iranian drones struck the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic - an exclave of Azerbaijan bordering Iran. According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, one drone fell on the airport terminal building, while another landed near a school in the village of Shakerabad. Four people were injured.

Iran's ambassador to Baku, Mojtaba Demirchilu, was summoned to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry regarding the incident, as stated in a statement released by the ministry on Thursday, March 5. Later, the Iranian side claimed it was not involved in the attack and accused Israel of being behind it, according to AFP citing the country's state television.

Azerbaijan Claims Violation of International Law

Baku stated that there was a "violation of norms and principles of international law" and an escalation of tensions in the region. "We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran provide a clear explanation regarding this matter as soon as possible, conduct a proper investigation, and take necessary urgent measures to prevent similar attacks in the future," the Foreign Ministry said. They also warned that the country reserves the "right to take appropriate retaliatory measures."

The country's Ministry of Defense also condemned the Iranian attack on civilian infrastructure, which "has no military necessity." "Full responsibility for the incident lies with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan is preparing necessary retaliatory measures to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country, as well as to ensure the safety of the civilian population and civilian infrastructure. These acts of aggression will not go unanswered," the press release on the ministry's website stated.

According to the Azerbaijani publication Minval, the strike was carried out by Shahed-136 drones. Videos from eyewitnesses show black smoke rising above the airport. Nakhchivan International Airport is located about 10 km from the border with Iran.