Azerbaijan summons Iranian ambassador after drone attack on Nakhchivan
Azerbaijan has summoned its Iranian ambassador following a drone attack in the Nakhchivan region that injured two individuals.
On Thursday, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador in Baku to protest against a drone attack that reportedly targeted the Nakhchivan region. The ministry condemned the attacks, which resulted in injuries to two people, and asserted its right to respond, demanding urgent clarifications from Tehran regarding the incident. This diplomatic action underscores the rising tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran, especially in light of recent military activities that have escalated the confrontation between these neighboring countries.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry stated that Iranian armed forces launched drone strikes against Nakhchivan's airport and other civilian infrastructure. They announced the initiation of an investigation to ascertain the technical specifications of the drones used and the specifics of the attacks. The ministry emphasized that the targeting of civilian infrastructure lacked any military justification, holding Iran fully responsible for the incident, and indicated that Baku would take necessary measures to maintain its territorial integrity and sovereignty while ensuring civilian safety.
The Azerbaijani state news agency has also released footage showing smoke rising after an explosion near the Nakhchivan airport. Local media shared images depicting the damage that occurred at one of the airport's terminals, highlighting the severity of the incident. The public outrage and government response indicate a significant concern over national security and a firm stance against what Azerbaijan perceives as aggressive actions by Iran, potentially setting the stage for further bilateral tensions and conflict in the region.