Azerbaijan border guards neutralize armed trespasser, foil smuggling attempt in Goytapa clash

On April 8, Azerbaijani border guards at the "Goytapa" border post responded to an illegal crossing by three unidentified individuals coming from Iran into Azerbaijan, the State Border Service stated.

In response to the violation, the border post was immediately placed on high alert, with the "To Arms!" order issued, and the area was fully sealed off to prevent the trespassers from escaping, Caliber.Az reports.

The border patrol initiated a pursuit and ordered the individuals to stop. A warning shot was fired into the air, but the trespassers ignored the command and fired upon the guards, engaging in armed resistance.

Under Azerbaijani law governing state borders, the border patrol was authorized to use force. Consequently, one of the armed violators was neutralized on the spot, and another was detained. The third individual, however, managed to evade capture, using the cover of darkness and the challenging terrain to escape into Iranian territory.

During a subsequent search of the area, authorities recovered a "Winchester" rifle, night vision equipment, spent cartridge casings, and approximately 32.4 kilograms of marijuana. Iranian officials were promptly informed of the incident.

The Azerbaijani State Border Service is continuing its operational and investigative efforts to address the situation and identify further details of the attempted illegal border crossing.

By Vafa Guliyeva