The Security Council of Azerbaijan held a meeting on Thursday, 5 March, under the chairmanship of President Ilham Aliyev after the territory of the autonomous Nakhchivan Republic was struck by a drone attack from Iran.
President Aliyev described that the attack had been carried out by Iran and that civilian facilities were targeted. He described the incident as a “vile terrorist act.”
The incident was strongly condemned, and he iterated the need for an explanation, apology, and punishment of those responsible. Azerbaijan’s armed forces have also been placed on full combat alert.
Quotes from President Aliyev’s address:
“The dishonourable people who carried out this terrorist act will regret it. The Azerbaijani people must be certain that any evil force will face our ‘iron fist’.”
“Azerbaijan has not taken part and will not take part in operations against Iran, neither before nor now. This is our firm position. We are not interested in carrying out any operations against neighbouring countries, and our policy does not allow it.”
“Iran cowardly and treacherously shelled Nakhchivan International Airport, the terminal building, a school and other locations. Azerbaijan strongly condemns this vile terrorist act. Those responsible must be brought to justice immediately. Iranian officials must provide explanations, apologise to the Azerbaijani side, and those who carried out this terrorist act must face criminal punishment.”
Source: commonspace.eu with JAMnews
