Azerbaijani ombudsman condemns Iran’s drone attack on Nakhchivan civilians

Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, has strongly condemned the Iranian drone attacks on civilian facilities in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic that resulted in injuries to civilians.

According to Caliber.Az, in her statement the Ombudsman called on the international community to respond to what she described as a terrorist act.

The document notes that any attack targeting the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure constitutes a gross violation of international law and international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions. Such actions undermine the principles of territorial integrity, state sovereignty, and good-neighbourly relations.

“The protection of the life and health of civilians is among the fundamental obligations incumbent upon all states. It is essential that this incident be promptly and comprehensively investigated in accordance with the requirements of international law, that the circumstances be clarified, that those responsible be held accountable, and that the necessary measures be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.,” the statement said.

On March 5, unmanned aerial vehicles launched from the territory of Iran attacked sites in Nakhchivan. One drone struck the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, while another fell near a school building in the village of Shakarabad. As a result of the airport attack, four civilians were injured.

The Ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilu, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Azerbaijan stated that it reserves the right to a retaliatory strike.