Azerbaijan is mobilizing its troops on the border with Iran amid escalating conflict in the region
Authorities in Baku ordered the deployment of troops to the border with Iran and put them on combat alert, in the fourth day of the conflict between the United States and Israel on the one hand and Iran on the other — a confrontation in which states across the region are increasingly involved. The information was reported by the regional publication OC Media.
Azerbaijani soldiers/PHOTO:X
According to the quoted source, all the leaves for soldiers, sergeants and officers have been cancelled, and the soldiers already on leave have been urgently called back to their units. At the same time, defense systems against drones and low-flying aircraft were reportedly deployed on the border with Iran.
The Ministry of Defense in Baku has so far neither confirmed nor denied the media reports and has not provided an official response to OC Media's requests for comment.
“It is natural to strengthen our borders”
Opposition politician Yadigar Sadigli told the publication that, in the current tense regional context, strengthening border security is a natural measure for Azerbaijan.
“It is normal for any state to strengthen its border. The president must take security measures, because any action by soldiers or commanders can have unpredictable consequences. For example, a missile could deviate from the trajectory and hit the territory of Azerbaijan, just as it could hit other targets. That is why it is important that the air defense systems are brought to a minimum level of combat readiness, there is air support and, of course, ground troops to be ready”Sadigli explained.
Fears of a possible wave of refugees
At the same time, the human rights activist from the Talish community, Hilal Mammadov, suggested on social networks that the deployment of troops could also be aimed at preventing a possible wave of refugees.
“If ground troops are also used against Iran, the consequences could be much worse. Millions of people could be involved in the fighting, and tens of thousands of women and children would have to seek refuge in neighboring states, including our country. In such a situation, we will undoubtedly give the Iranian people all the support we can.”said Mammadov.
Escalation of the conflict in the region
Tensions rose significantly after the Israeli military launched several strikes on targets in Iran on the morning of February 28. Explosions were also reported in the capital Tehran. At the same time, targets of the Hezbollah group in Lebanon were also attacked.
Tehran responded by launching dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel and attacking a US military base in Bahrain. The media also reported on explosions heard in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, states where US military bases are located.
Despite initial fears, some analysts believe that, at least for the time being, the conflict appears to be favoring Israel and the United States. Iran's leadership capacity would have been impaired, its air defense systems would have been weakened, and Iran's armed forces, including the Revolutionary Guards and Tehran's regional allies, would have so far failed to pose a major threat to the US fleet and allied aviation.
