Azerbaijan’s contribution to Belarus liberation highlighted at cadet school anniversary event

Representatives from the Military Attaché Office of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan in Belarus took part in a series of events marking the anniversary of the founding of the Polotsk Cadet School.

During the events, participants were provided with insights into the history of the Polotsk Cadet School, recognized as the oldest cadet school in the CIS, Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry told Caliber.Az.

Discussions focused on the bravery of the school’s graduates, especially their heroic contributions in the battles against fascist invaders.

Up to 10,000 Azerbaijanis participated in the liberation of Belarus from German-fascist occupation. Among them, 102 Azerbaijanis joined the partisan movement, and 17 were captured and held in Stalag 352. Furthermore, 11 Azerbaijani nationals who fought in the battles for Belarus were posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, with one individual receiving the title twice.

Speakers at the event highlighted that Azerbaijanis who lost their lives in the battles for Polotsk are interred in fraternal cemeteries across the region.

In tribute to these heroes, representatives of the Military Attaché Office created a display featuring Azerbaijani Army uniforms in the Polotsk Cadet School museum. The exhibit showcased uniforms corresponding to the rank of "Lieutenant," reflecting the military rank of Lieutenant Vahabov Aziz Shukur, the highest-ranking Azerbaijani Hero who fell in defence of the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva