Armenia

Border Incidents

The Armenian side denied all reports of border breaches made by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, responding to each claim with the same official statement.

Major General Represents Armenia in Stuttgart Talks with US European Command

On March 19, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that Major General Arthur Yeroyan, the Deputy Head of the Armenian Armed Forces, led a delegation that participated in negotiations between Armenia and the US European Command. The talks took place at the headquarters of the US Armed Forces European Command in Stuttgart (GDH), marking Armenia’s second consecutive year of participation.

The negotiations included meetings and private discussions with several high-ranking officers from the US European Command.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan and Bosnia Strengthen Bilateral Relations Through Military Talks

On March 17, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Zukan Helez, the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to discuss strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of expanding ties between their defense ministries and military industries. Helez acknowledged Azerbaijan’s victory in the Patriotic War and highlighted its significant engagement with Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also expressed a willingness to continue cooperation across various sectors. Aliyev recalled his official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, during which a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed, and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.

On the same day, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense, met with Helez and his delegation during their official visit to Azerbaijan. 

At the official welcoming ceremony at the Ministry of Defense, the national anthems of both countries were played, and the Book of Honor was signed in accordance with protocol. During the meeting, Hasanov welcomed the guests and provided an overview of successful reforms in Azerbaijan’s defense sector under President Aliyev’s leadership, particularly following the 44-day Karabakh War. He also briefed them on the situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border and developments in the liberated territories.

Helez expressed his gratitude for Azerbaijan’s hospitality and emphasized the importance of mutual visits in strengthening military relations. He proposed the creation of a working group to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint activities. The meeting also highlighted the positive cooperation between the two countries within the Partnership for Peace program and the Operational Capabilities Concept, along with the successful participation of Azerbaijani and Bosnian servicemen in international exercises.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations and discussed future cooperation in military, military-technical, and military-educational fields. They also exchanged views on regional security issues.

Border Incidents

Between March 17 and March 21, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported multiple ceasefire violations, with Armenian armed forces allegedly firing on Azerbaijani positions at various intervals. Incidents occurred throughout both daytime and nighttime hours, with repeated gunfire reported on March 17, March 18, and March 19, followed by further escalation on March 20 and into the night of March 20–21. The reported attacks involved the use of small arms and occurred periodically over extended timeframes, indicating sustained tensions along the border.

Azerbaijani Army Soldiers Killed in Avalanche

On March 19, Azerbaijan Army servicemen Hamidov Ruslan Rustam and Imanov Ali Tariyel were caught in an avalanche during foggy weather while returning from their duty station in the Gadabay region.

Despite harsh weather conditions, a search operation was immediately launched in the mountainous terrain. The effort involved personnel and equipment from the Azerbaijan Army, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and a contractor company of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads.

On March 21, the bodies of both soldiers were recovered. The Ministry of Defense expressed deep condolences to their families and extended its sympathies during this difficult time.

Georgia

Georgia Expands Military Training and Educational Programs for Young Volunteers

On March 20, the Georgian Ministry of Defense announced ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth to implement various educational and scientific initiatives.

As part of this collaboration, a memorandum of mutual cooperation was signed between SP "Self-Defense Volunteer" and SP "Youth Agency." The document was signed by Giorgi Sakhokia, director of Self-Defense Volunteer, and Vakhtang Baakashvili, acting head of the Youth Agency.

The memorandum aims to:

• Raise awareness among young people about the importance of volunteering.
• Support the development of social and civic responsibility.
• Encourage active participation in volunteer activities.

Planned initiatives include joint educational campaigns, military training programs, hiking and cultural events, conferences, seminars, and other volunteer-based activities. The close cooperation between Self-Defense Volunteer and the Youth Agency is expected to promote youth engagement in public life, strengthen civic responsibility, and create new opportunities for young people.