Azerbaijan doubled the number of Special Forces in 2020 after the Second Karabakh War. The statement came from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

"After the Second Karabakh War, the number of Special Forces has doubled," the website of the President quoted President Ilham Aliyev as speaking at the Defence Ministry's Special Forces Unit N on the 23rd anniversary of the establishment of the Special Forces.

He noted that now the choice is tougher, and the interest is greater, that there are many appeals. Aliyev explained that moral and psychological qualities, physical training, professionalism and "most importantly, love of country are the main conditions for this choice.” The Azerbaijani head of state noted that reforms are being carried out in other armed forces. "The Azerbaijani Army is getting stronger," Aliyev said, noting that today the Azerbaijani Army is stronger and more powerful than their wartime army.

Aliyev noted the important contribution of special forces in the victory in the Second Karabakh War in 2020. "Special forces have a great share in our victory in the Karabakh War. I know this as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and I have told the Azerbaijani public about it. All the people of Azerbaijan know this, and the enemy knows it,” Aliyev said in a speech on the 23rd anniversary of the establishment of the Special Forces. 

Aliyev noted the role of special forces in the liberation of occupied settlements, highlighting that special forces were in the forefront of all major operations. "It is a great honour for me to be with you today, on this holiday. I am proud of you. All the people of Azerbaijan are proud of you. Armenia, the Armenian armed forces begin to tremble when the names of Azerbaijani special forces are mentioned," he said. The Azerbaijani head of state noted that today Azerbaijan is increasing its power, but does not want a war, but reacts to what is happening in the region. "Revenge forces are still rising in Armenia. There are still people in Armenia who make territorial claims against Azerbaijan," Aliyev said.