On Thursday, March 5, Iranian drones launched an attack on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. One UAV struck the terminal building of the Nakhchivan International Airport, resulting in an explosion and fire, while another fell near a school in Shekarabad village. Two civilians were injured, and witnesses captured the moment of the strike on video.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan reported the details and issued a stern condemnation:
“We strongly condemn these drone attacks carried out from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and the injury of two civilians. This attack on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan is a violation of the norms and principles of international law and contributes to increasing tension in the region.”
Baku demands immediate accountability:
“We require from the Islamic Republic of Iran to provide a clear explanation regarding this case as soon as possible, conduct an appropriate investigation and take necessary urgent measures to ensure that such attacks do not recur in the future. The Azerbaijani side reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures.”
Diplomatic and Military Response
The Ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Damirchilu, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to receive a formal protest note. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense stated it is preparing measures to protect territorial integrity and national sovereignty, emphasizing that the attack will not go unanswered. President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation during a Security Council meeting.
“Azerbaijan has not participated and will not participate in operations against Iran, neither then nor now. Because this is our position,” Aliyev stated.
He emphasized that while Azerbaijan seeks no conflict with neighbors, it demands a formal apology and criminal prosecution for those responsible for this terrorist act.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also condemned the aggression. He described the strike as a continuation of Tehran’s reckless attacks across the Middle East and Europe. Sybiha highlighted that the Iranian regime’s actions, including supplying drones to Russia for the war against Ukraine, prove that Tehran is a global rather than just a regional threat.
Escalation Context
Before the strike, Azerbaijan increased its military presence and placed its army on high combat readiness along the Iranian border. Technical experts are currently analyzing the Iranian drones used in the attack. Despite Aliyev’s previous condolences regarding the liquidation of the Ayatollah, Iran’s regime has chosen the path of escalation.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Iranian drones struck targets in the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. These actions confirm that Tehran’s tactics mirror those used by Russia during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
