Armenia

Border Incidents

On April 14, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia reported that Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on the Khnatsakh settlement in Syunik Province on the evening of April 13, damaging the village’s cultural center but causing no casualties.

According to the Armenian Defense Ministry, the incident occurred on April 13 at approximately 10:20 p.m. local time, when units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired toward Khnatsakh, resulting in material damage to the local cultural center. No injuries were reported.

The Defense Ministry urged Azerbaijani authorities to investigate the shelling and provide a public explanation regarding the attack on the civilian facility.

It further noted that the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia had previously proposed establishing a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations and related incidents, but Azerbaijan has not responded to this proposal.

On April 19, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia rejected Azerbaijan’s claim that Armenian forces had opened fire on Azerbaijani positions on April 18 near the southeastern section of the border, stating that the accusation was unfounded.

The Armenian Ministry emphasized that the statement from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense, alleging that Armenian forces fired on Azerbaijani combat positions at approximately 10:35 p.m. on April 18, did not reflect reality.

Azerbaijan

Border Incidents

On April 14, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense denied Armenia’s claim that Azerbaijani forces had opened fire on the Khnatsakh settlement and damaged its cultural center, calling the accusation false and baseless disinformation.

The Ministry stated that no shots were fired by Azerbaijan Army units in the mentioned direction and emphasized that Azerbaijani forces do not target civilians or civilian infrastructure. It reiterated that Azerbaijani forces only undertake “adequate retaliatory measures” in response to provocations initiated by Armenian armed forces.

According to the Azerbaijani Ministry, Armenia is attempting to mislead the international community by spreading inaccurate information while concealing its own provocations, including what it described as regular attacks on Azerbaijani positions from various directions.

On April 19, the Ministry reported that on April 18, at approximately 10:35 p.m., units of the Armenian armed forces, positioned near the Tekh settlement in the Goris region, opened fire using small arms on Azerbaijan Army positions. In response, Azerbaijan Army units took appropriate retaliatory measures in the specified direction.

Local Exercises

On April 14, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense reported that training sessions for search-and-rescue and diving operations were ongoing with the diving crew. After undergoing medical examinations by medical personnel, divers were permitted to perform assigned tasks. The crew’s ability to communicate and operate using signals was assessed and deemed satisfactory.

During the session, the crew completed practical tasks, including searching for, detecting, and lifting a sunken object to the surface using underwater propulsion devices and other search techniques. Additionally, both theoretical and practical classes were conducted on human body adaptation to high pressure in a hyperbaric chamber and providing first aid to injured divers.

The divers carried out underwater operations using the surface-supplied method, applying their theoretical knowledge to practical situations. The primary goal of the session, according to the Ministry, was to enhance the professional skills of the diving crew and improve their knowledge and abilities.

Azerbaijan and Turkey Hold High-Level Defense Talks to Deepen Military and Naval Cooperation

On April 16, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, met with a delegation led by Hulusi Akar, a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Chairman of the parliament’s National Defense Commission, and former Minister of National Defense of Turkey. Akar signed the Book of Honor per protocol, and Hasanov expressed satisfaction with the visit. Hasanov emphasized that the strong relations between the heads of state of both countries were vital for enhancing Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation, particularly in the military sphere. Akar expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and highlighted the growing military ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey, which have evolved into a strategic alliance. The meeting also included discussions on regional security and mutual interests.

On April 17, a delegation from the Azerbaijan Naval Forces, led by First Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, 1st Grade Captain Teymur Murshudov, visited Ankara for the 10th Staff Talks between the Naval Forces of Azerbaijan and Turkey. The delegation discussed naval cooperation, emphasizing the importance of exchanging experiences, and signed a joint protocol to further develop cooperation between the two countries’ naval forces.

On April 18, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, who was on an official visit to Azerbaijan. Hasanov welcomed the guests, noting that the strategic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey is based on mutual trust and support. Tatlıoğlu expressed satisfaction with the visit and the positive impact of Azerbaijani-Turkish military relations on the development of their respective naval forces. The meeting also included discussions on expanding cooperation in military and military-educational fields. The Turkish delegation then visited the Azerbaijan Naval Forces, where Acting Commander, 1st Grade Captain Shahin Mammadov, met with them to discuss mutual interests.

Slovakia Hosts Azerbaijani Military Delegation for High-Level Defense Talks

On April 16, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, began an official visit to Slovakia at the invitation of General Daniel Zmeko, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Slovakia. An official welcoming ceremony was held for the Azerbaijani delegation on the first day. During their meeting, Valiyev and Zmeko discussed prospects for developing military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovakia and exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest. Following this, Valiyev met with Martin Vojtašovič, 2nd State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Slovakia, to discuss cooperation in military, military-technical, and military-educational fields.

On April 17, the Azerbaijani delegation, led by Colonel General Valiyev, visited Slovak defense industry companies and military training centers. The delegation received briefings on the activities of the defense industry companies and the weapons and military products they manufacture. The sides discussed prospects for military-technical cooperation and exchanged views on areas of mutual interest. The delegation also visited the Military Technical and Testing Institute Záhorie and the Slovak Defense Ministry’s Training Centre Lešť, where they were briefed on the institute’s activities and shown military equipment. Discussions on security issues and the development of the Slovak Armed Forces also took place.

Azerbaijani Air Force Commander Islamzade Meets Serbian Counterpart Krnjajić in Baku

On April 17, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Commander of the Air Force, met with a delegation led by Major General Brane Krnjajić, Commander of Air Force and Air Defense of the Republic of Serbia, who was visiting Azerbaijan. During the meeting at the Central Command Post of the Air Force, Islamzade welcomed the Serbian delegation and expressed satisfaction with their visit. The parties discussed the current state of their respective air forces and held extensive discussions on future perspectives. Following the meeting, the Serbian delegation was briefed on the activities and upcoming objectives of the command post, which was established to modern standards and equipped with advanced control systems.

Azerbaijan and Italy Hold Expert-Level Air Force Cooperation Meeting in Baku

On April 17, an expert meeting on military cooperation was held between representatives of the Air Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Italian Republic, in accordance with the bilateral military cooperation plan for 2024-2025 signed between the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of the Italian Armed Forces. The sides discussed military cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Italian Air Forces and exchanged views on various matters of mutual interest. The importance of such events for exchanging experiences was emphasized during the meeting.

Azerbaijani Delegation Joins 113th Anniversary of Bulgaria’s G.S. Rakovski Defense College

On April 17, a delegation from the National Defense University of the Republic of Azerbaijan participated in a solemn event in Sofia marking the 113th anniversary of the establishment of the G.S. Rakovski National Defense College of the Republic of Bulgaria. Following the event, Major General Arif Hasanov, Deputy Rector of the National Defense University for Science and Rector of the Military Scientific Research Institute, met with Major General Stayko Prokopiev, Rector of the G.S. Rakovski National Defense College. The meeting featured mutual briefings and a broad exchange of views on bilateral cooperation in military education. Both sides provided information on improvements in the educational process at the National Defense University, including structural changes, technological innovations, and reforms in the Azerbaijan Army. The importance of stable and productive cooperation between the two institutions was emphasized. The delegation also met with Azerbaijani cadets studying at the college, inquiring about their education, living conditions, and general training. After hearing the cadets’ suggestions, the representatives addressed their questions.

Azerbaijani Military Education Delegation Visits Belarus for Bilateral Talks

On April 17, a working meeting took place in Minsk between Azerbaijani and Belarusian military education specialists to discuss training military specialists in Belarusian military educational institutions and sharing experiences.

The delegation from the Azerbaijan National Defense University visited several key military institutions in Belarus, including the Belarusian Military Academy, where they explored an exhibition showcasing scientific achievements. The delegation also toured the Belarusian Museum of Military History and the Great Patriotic War, followed by a working session where experts from both countries discussed various educational matters.

Additionally, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the Military Technical Faculty at the Belarusian National Technical University, as well as the military faculties of the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics and the Belarusian State Aviation Academy. The visit included briefings on the structure and operations of these institutions, along with discussions on the education and training of Azerbaijani military personnel in Belarus.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Deepen Military Ties With Special Forces Exchange

On April 18, a delegation led by Major General Almaz Jumakeev, Commander of the Airborne Assault Troops of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, visited Commando and Special Forces military units in Azerbaijan.

During the visit, the Kazakh delegation laid flowers at the bust of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, paying tribute to his memory. Major General Akif Pirverdiyev welcomed the guests and expressed satisfaction with their visit. The delegation was briefed on the history, daily activities, and logistics of the military unit, followed by discussions on various issues of mutual interest. The delegation toured the indoor gym, soldiers’ dormitory, and canteen, observing the military personnel’s sports activities. The group participated in a shooting session at an indoor range, using pistols, pneumatic weapons, and small-caliber rifles. The delegation also observed the commandos’ drill training, including activities on the mountain commando rappel tower and the scout trail.

Later, the Kazakh delegation met with Major General Alakbar Jahangirov, Commander of Azerbaijan’s Special Forces, where they engaged in extensive discussions on mutual interests.

On the same day, a Kazakh Air Force delegation visited the Azerbaijan Air Force, joined by representatives from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Civil Aviation Agency, the Foreign Intelligence Department, and the AZANS Air Traffic Control Department of Azerbaijan Airlines. The meeting, held at the Azerbaijan Air Force headquarters, focused on coordinating and organizing interactions for emergency flights, with a wide exchange of views and responses to participants’ questions.

Georgia

Local Exercises

On April 17, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that the Parachute Primary Training Program at the Major Gela Chedia Special Purpose Training Center in Mukhrovani was successfully completed.

The program, organized by a private team of military intelligence and rangers from the special operations forces of the defense forces, culminated in a graduation ceremony that began with the performance of Georgia’s national anthem. Colonel Teimuraz Klateishvili, Sardal of Special Operations of the Defense Forces, delivered a speech congratulating the graduates on completing the program. During the event, graduates were awarded certificates and grades. The six-week course included both theoretical and practical training. As part of the special operations base development plan, the parachute training school’s infrastructure and equipment are set to be upgraded.