Azerbaijans Exclave Airport Hit by Iranian Drones

Azerbaijani Authorities Confirm Drone Attack in Nakhchivan Exclave

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a drone attack occurred in the country’s autonomous exclave, Nakhchivan, on Thursday at approximately 12 noon (08:00 GMT). According to the ministry, one drone struck the terminal building of the airport, while another fell near a school building in the village of Shakarabad. The incident resulted in material damage at the airport and injured two civilians.

The ministry has condemned the drone attacks, stating that they were launched from Iranian territory. It has demanded a clear explanation from Iran and reserved the right to take appropriate response measures. The ministry has also summoned Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Demirchilou over the incident.

Nakhchivan is located near the borders of Iran and Turkey and was part of a historic peace deal signed last year between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The land corridor, known as the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), has been the subject of controversy due to opposition from Iran.

Reports have emerged of Iranian drones targeting countries across the region, including a US military base in Iraq and Qatar’s air defence systems intercepting a missile attack over Doha. Turkiye’s Ministry of National Defence reported that a ballistic missile fired from Iran was destroyed by NATO air and missile defence systems over the eastern Mediterranean.

Iran’s armed forces have denied firing any missiles towards Turkish territory. The incident has sparked tensions between Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey, with Azerbaijan taking precautions in consultation with its NATO allies.

Source: Al Jazeera