Military of Azerbaijan

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Azərbaycan Silahli Qüvvələri

Azerbaijan Armed Forces

Image:Azerbaijan coa.png
Military Branches
Army Air Force
Air Defence Navy
Coast Guard Border Guard
Military manpower
Military system Recrutation system, between 18-35 years of age
Availability males age 18-35: 1,961,973 (2005 est.)
Fit for military service males age 18-35: 1,314,955 (2005 est.)
Reaching military age annually males: 82,358 (2005 est.)
Active troops 126,400 (Ranked 35th)
Military expenditures
USD figure $900 million (2006)
Percent of GDP 2,60% (2006)
Azerbaijan Armed Forces Emblem
Image:Azerbaijan Unit Crest.png

The Azerbaijan Armed Forces consists of four military branches: the army, navy, air force, air defense forces and two independent branches the Coast Guard and Border Guard. A third independent branch is currently being created; the Interior Guard who will mainly be used for emergencies. The national armed forces of Azerbaijan were formed by presidential decree in October 1991. Subsequently, the Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet declared that the Soviet Fourth Army, which included most of the Soviet troops based in Azerbaijan, would be placed under Azerbaijani jurisdiction. About the same time, the Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet summoned Azerbaijanis serving in the Soviet armed forces outside Azerbaijan such as Afghanistan to return and serve in their homeland.

The current Defence Minister is colonel-general Safar Abiyev, and Chief of Staff is colonel-general Najmaddin Sadykhov.

In July of 1992, Azerbaijan ratified the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), which establishes comprehensive limits on key categories of conventional military equipment and provides for the destruction of weaponry in excess of those limits. Although Azerbaijan did not provide all data required by the treaty on its conventional forces at that time, it has accepted on-site inspections of forces on its territory. Azerbaijan approved the CFE flank agreement in May, 1997. It also has acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapons state. Azerbaijan participates in NATO's Partnership for Peace. The country also integrates the "Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova regional co-operation group", known as GUAM.

In June 1, 2006 Azerbaijan and Tajikistan signed an agreement on military cooperation in Baku. Both countries agreed on collaboration in holding joint military exercises and training of personnel [3]. Under the document, Azerbaijan's military colleges will train specialists for Tajikistan's Armed Forces [4].

Contents

[edit] Overview

US and Azeri troops at a presentation of weapons in 2004 Joint Civilian Orientation Conference in Azerbaijan. This image has an uncertain copyright status and is pending deletion. You can comment on the removal.
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US and Azeri troops at a presentation of weapons in 2004 Joint Civilian Orientation Conference in Azerbaijan.
This image has an uncertain copyright status and is pending deletion. You can comment on the removal.

In light of recent oil boom within the nation and the completion of the US-backed Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, Azerbaijan increased its armed forces budget to $300 million dollars in 2005. That is 110% increase from the previous year. In 2006 the military budget of Azerbaijan was raised to $638 million dollars and approximately $224 million is slated to be spent on new weapons and equipment. In May 2006 the military budget was again raised to $660 million dollars [5]. A few months later the budget was again raised to $700 million [6]. In 17 October 2006 the defense minister announced that the military budget of Azerbaijan had reached 796.8412 million ANZ (approximately US $900 million). The president of Azerbaijan has announced plans to raise the military budget to at least $1 billion in 2007. [7] Azerbaijan is modernizing and expanding its army to prepare for a worst case scenario. The increasing budget of $1 billion will be equal to the entire Armenian state budget. Many believe this rise in military expenditure followed the Azeri announcement that the army would be willing to liberate the 16% of its territories [8], which are currently under the occupation of Armenia which fought against Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh war during the early 1990s. The Azerbaijani president also ordered to increase the wages of Azerbaijan military personnel by 100% [9]. Troops from Azerbaijan serve as peacekeepers in NATO-led operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Azerbaijan joined the Coalition of the Willing during Iraq War, and as of 2006, is protecting the Northern parts of Iraq. It has provided 250 troops. One hundred soldiers were sent on December 29, 2004 to reinforce the 150 soldiers already in the country. They provide security for local Turkmen populations, religious sites and convoys.

[edit] History of Azerbaijan army

The history of the modern Azerbaijan army dates back to Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918, when the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan Republic were created. First de-facto Minister of Defense of ADR was Dr. Khosrov bey Sultanov. When the Ministry was formally established Gen. Samedbey Mehmandarov became the minister, and then Lt-Gen. Ali-Agha Shikhlinski his deputy. Chiefs of Staff of ADR Army were Lt-Gen. Mamedbey Sulkevich (March 1919 - 10 Dec 1919) and Maj-Gen. Abdulhamid bey Gaitabashi (10 Dec 1919 – April 1920).

In summer 1992, the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan, following a resolution by the Azerbaijani president on the privatization of units and formations in Azerbaijani territory, forwarded an ultimatum demanding control over vehicles and armaments of the 135th and 139th motorized rifle regiments of the 295th Motor Rifle Division. In the spring of 1992, Armenian armed formations took the commander of the 7th army hostage to force the Russian command to return a squadron of Mi-24 helicopters to Armenian territory, which had been transferred to the airdrome in Tskhinvali, Georgia, in an attempt "to save it from privatization."[1]

When Azerbaijan re-established its independence in 1991, it immediately started the formation of national military forces. Lt-Gen. Valekh Barshadli became the first minister of defense (September-December 1991, from May to October 1992 he served as Chief of Staff). Other ministers of defense from 1992 until 1995 included: Maj. Gen. Tajaddin Mekhdiyev (December 1991 - January 1992), Colonel Shahin Musayev (January-February 1992), Police Colonel Tahir Aliyev (February-March 1992), Raghim Gaziyev (March 1992-February 1993), Maj. Gen. Dadash Rzayev (February-June 1993), Colonel Safar Abiyev (June-August 1993), Maj.-Gen. Vahid Musayev (August-September 1993), and Maj. Gen. Mamedrafi Mamedov (September 1993 - February 1995). Chief military advisors to the President of Azerbaijan included: Turkish Air Force Brig. Gen. Yasar Demirbulak (1992-1994), Maj. Gen. Nureddin Sadykhov (1993-1999), Col. Gen. Tofig Aghahuseynov (1997-2002) and National Security Lt. Gen. Vahid Aliyev (since April 2002).

[edit] Azerbaijan Army

Main article: Army of Azerbaijan
Azeri Navy's 641st Special Warfare Unit displaying weapons
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Azeri Navy's 641st Special Warfare Unit displaying weapons

Since 1994 Azerbaijan has started to increase its military budget, and since 2006 it has risen to $638 million compared to Armenia's $162 million. Azerbaijan is further expanding its military budget to $1 billion within the year 2006. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan, like its Armenian counterpart, has been trying to further develop its armed forces into a professional, well trained, and mobile military.

Azerbaijan is also expanding its active forces, now numbering about 95,000, with an additional reserve of 575,000, as well as a "reserve of the reserve" of 1,314,955. In addition, the Azeri ground forces have 15,000 airborne troops. Azerbaijan has signed many contracts to strengthen its armed forces and to train its military with Turkey's assistance. Azerbaijan has also implemented a new organizational style in order to modernize its army. Over the last 14 years, Azerbaijan has been preparing its military for possible action against Armenian forces in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. It is feared that Azerbaijan may attempt to retake its occupied territories in Karabakh by military force because the last negotiations were a failure in France. Azerbaijan has continually stated that it is interested in a diplomatic and peaceful solution.

[edit] Main battle tanks

In the past 10-12 years Azerbaijan has purchased significant quantities of weapons and military equipment, specifically tanks, artillery systems and combat aircraft. The parameters of armament purchases made by Azerbaijan have reached such a point that Azerbaijan now has almost two times more tanks and armored vehicles, two times more artillery systems and other equipment that exceed the limits set by the updated 1999 Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). According to expert evaluation, the number of tanks alone, not counting armored vehicles, is over 500 pieces [10].

[edit] Armored combat vehicles

Armored Combat Vehicle during training in Azerbaijan.
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Armored Combat Vehicle during training in Azerbaijan.
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In 1997, the Azerbaijani army had 361 armored combat vehicles consisting of: BMP-1, BM-21 122-mm Grad Artillery Rocket Launcher, BMP-2, BMP-3 and MT-LB armored combat vehicles.

The army has continually expanded its arsenal and by 2003 the Azerbaijani army had 513 armored combat vehicles consisting of:

[edit] Artillery systems

In 1997, the Azerbaijani army had 301 artillery systems of 100 mm caliber or more, consisting of; MT-12, M-46 and 9A52.

In 2005 the Azerbaijani army had 410 artillery systems, consisting of:

  • D-30 122 mm Howitser- 191
  • D-20 152 mm Gun-Howitzer- 30
  • 2A36 152 mm Gun - 20
  • 2S1 122mm Self Propelled 122mm Howitzer - 14
  • BM-21 122mm "Grad" MLRS - 40
  • 9A52 "Smerch" 300mm MLRS - 18
  • MT-12 "Rapira" 100mm smoothbore AT-Gun - 72
  • M-46 130mm field gun - 36
  • PM-38 130 - 23

[edit] Azerbaijan Air Force

Turkish Stars during Republic Day.
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Turkish Stars during Republic Day.
Main article: Azerbaijan Air Force

The Azerbaijan Air Force (AzAF) has about 7,900 personnel and troops. The AzAF currently has 172 aircraft and 60 helicopters on 16 bases (with an additional 50 airports).

[edit] Helicopter force

A subdepartment of the Azerbaijani Air Force (AzAF) is the helicopter force which consists of:

  • Mi-24 attack gunships - 40
  • Mi-8 Assault/transport helicopter (can also be used for attack) - 13
  • Mi-2 Transport helicopter (can also be used for attack) - 7
Turkish Stars in Military airshow Baku.
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Turkish Stars in Military airshow Baku.

[edit] Transport fleet

Azerbaijan's air transport fleet is a subdepartment of the AzAF and consists of:

[edit] Upgrade and addition

The Mi-24 Hind is the main helicopter gunship used in the AzAF.
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The Mi-24 Hind is the main helicopter gunship used in the AzAF.

In 2002, the Air Defense Forces received a major upgrade and addition, and plans have been made for further expansion in 2007. The expansion for 2006-2007 consists of:

  • MiG-25 Foxbat fighters - 19
  • Su-25 Frogfoot Ground attack planes - 6
  • Su-24 Fencer fighter bombers - 9
  • Tu-16 Badger heavy bombers - 10
  • Mi-24 Hind attack helicopters - 25

[edit] Air Defense Forces

SAM missiles used by the Air Defense Forces of Azerbaijan.
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SAM missiles used by the Air Defense Forces of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani Air Defensive has about 3,500 personnel under service. There are some installations of the Cold War era left by the Soviets in 1990. The Gabala OTH Radar in Azerbaijan is able to track aircraft to the range of Lebanon. Here, Azeri Air Defense has their ground based early warning capability.

The U.S. also provided Azerbaijani military with the latest radar technology in 2006. In the same year, plans were announced for the U.S. to modernize one radar station near the Iranian border at Lerik and another near the border with Georgia at Agstafa. Joint work has also commenced on two radar stations on the Russia-Azerbaijani border and Iran-Azerbaijani border to monitor Caspian Sea traffic. [11][12]

Azerbaijan has also a wide missile system covering the Azeri Aerospace. The NATO designated SA-2 Guideline (original name S-75) has been installed in and around Baku and additional installations are near the border with Iran and Dagestan. Some are installed to defend against Armenian aircraft. Among them are the medium range SA-4, for short range SA-8 and the SA-13 mobile SAM vehicles.

The Azeris also have a lot of lighter AA guns and shoulder launched SAMs.

[edit] Azerbaijan Navy

Main article: Azerbaijan Navy
Motorboat of the Azeri Navy in Baku Bay.
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Motorboat of the Azeri Navy in Baku Bay.

The Azerbaijan Navy has about 5,000 personnel in sixteen units including the Caspian Flotilla and a Border Coast Guard. The navy has 7 patrol boats consisting out of; 2 - OSA-II-Class and 5 - Stenka-Class patrol boats. There are 7 minesweepers consisting out of; 2 - Sonya-Class and 5 - Yevgenya-Class minesweepers. There are 6 landing crafts, 2 landing cutters, 1 special purposes warship and 1 special purposes cutter.

In 2006, the US Government donated 3 motorboats with the latest technology to the Azerbaijani navy.

[edit] Caspian Guard Initiative

The Caspian Guard Initiative is a framework program designed to coordinate activities in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan with those of U.S. Central Command and other U.S government agencies to enhance Caspian security. The program assists the two countries in improving their ability to prevent and, if needed, respond to terrorism, nuclear proliferation, drug and human trafficking, and other transnational treats in the Caspian region. EUCOM is responsible for operations in Azerbaijan. [13]

[edit] Azerbaijan’s National Mine Action Authority

Azerbaijan’s National Mine Action Authority (ANAMA) is the official mine-cleaning organization of Azerbaijan. In October 9, 2006 ANAMA confirmed that 36,861,337 sq. meters of area had been cleared from mines and unexploded ordinances and 70 334 UXO have been neutralized. 194 100 sq. meters of area were cleared in mechanical way. The operation took place in 2006; about 25 Dutch trained dogs (each worth $100,000), 156 sappers, 47 UXO operators, 8 paramedics, some 100 assistants and 4 mine detecting vehicles were used in the clearance operations.

ANAMA reports 81 mine explosions have left 51 persons dead and 116 wounded since September, 2001.

[edit] GUAM

Main article: GUAM
Azerbaijani soldiers during a parade in Republic Day.
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Azerbaijani soldiers during a parade in Republic Day.

Azerbaijan is an active member of GUAM, which is a regional organization of four CIS states: Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova. The grouping was created as a way of countering the influence of Russia in the area, and it has received backing and encouragement from the United States. Though at one point it was considered to have stagnated, recent developments have caused speculation on the possible revival of the organization.

Cooperation between Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova started with the GUAM consultative forum, established on October 10, 1997, in Strasbourg and named after the initial letters of each of those countries.

In May 22-23, 2006 Ukraine and Azerbaijan announced plans to further increase the GUAM member relations by renaming the organization to Democracy and Economic Development Organization and establishing its headquarters in the Ukrainian capital [14]. Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev will be elected as the first secretary general of the organization. The other members said this was a remarkable development. The summit participants are also expected to adopt GUAM by-laws, a declaration and a communiqué. [15]

On May 30, 2006 Defense Minister of Ukraine and Azerbaijani Defense Minister talked over the opportunity of setting up a joint peacemaking subdivision within the framework of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM. Although its not yet been confirmed, GUAM is seriously considering it. [16]

On June 6 the Georgian Chairwoman of the Parliament, Nino Burjanadze, met with Eldar Mahmudov, the Minister of National Security of Azerbaijan. The officials discussed issues on the joint fight against terrorism, trafficking and drug business as well as issues regarding the security of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline [17].

In June 2006, 10 new boundary posts were opened on the Georgian-Azerbaijani border. Opening of the posts is aimed at improving military service of border guard officers and strengthening of border defense. There are plans to construct some more boundary complexes [18].

[edit] Turkey

Azerbaijani officers being advised and trained by US and Turkish officers during  NATO assistance program.
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Azerbaijani officers being advised and trained by US and Turkish officers during NATO assistance program.

Turkey is the closest ally of Azerbaijan; the two countries cooperate on multiple issues. Turkey has supported the Azerbaijani military by providing training to Azerbaijani military personnel and delivering military equipment and armaments. Due to help from Turkish specialists and instructors, thousands of Azerbaijani officers were trained according to western standards and some have even gained field experience by taking part in special-forces operations.

Turkey has provided Azerbaijan with military support which has made them over $100 million dollars.

Azerbaijan and Turkey often exchange soldiers for cultural and military purposes.

[edit] Military training

Turkey has provided Azerbaijan with professional military training and resources at western standards. Almost all Azerbaijani officers are trained by the Turkish Armed Forces. The training is conducted in Azerbaijani territory. In 2005 Turkey stated that Azerbaijani troops are just as professional and well prepared as the Turkish and western troops and that Azerbaijan is now ready to hold exercises and train its troops on a professional level.

[edit] Anti-terrorism training

During the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline it was feared that terrorists would target the pipeline. In response, Turkey, the United States and the United Kingdom organized a military anti-terrorism exercise with Azerbaijan and Georgia in 2005. The exercise is planned to continue to the end of 2006. The anti-terrorism program has a budget of about $17 million in Azerbaijan, of which $7 million is being invested in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. [19]

[edit] United States

US troops in Baku, Azerbaijan
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US troops in Baku, Azerbaijan

The Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act bans direct assistance from the US government to the Azerbaijani government. The Azerbaijani government has put a lot of effort in continuing to improve relations between the two countries. In 2006 the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev visited the U.S. and came to the conclusion that the Section 907 may be repealed soon [20].

In spite of the Freedom Support Act, the United States remains one of the closest allies of Azerbaijan. It has been reported that of all of the former Soviet states, Azerbaijan is the best friend of the United States. [21]. Donald Rumsfeld visited Azerbaijan 3 times in 2005.

In 2003, the U.S. government announced its plans to hold military programs in the Caucasus region. So far the U.S. has provided Azerbaijan with a military aid of $9 million. Since 1999, the United States has invested nearly $17 million in land mine removal efforts in Azerbaijan. The US has sent 13 specially trained dogs to help rid Azerbaijan of land mines. The mine-detecting dogs, each worth $100,000, were donated to Azerbaijan’s National Mine Action Authority (ANAMA) by the Marshall Legacy Institute. Additionally, a $70,000 remote-controlled Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot, also provided by the US, is used to clean up dangerous and unstable explosive remnants of war without endangering lives. A $1.7 million remote-controlled Rhino Earth Tiller has also been provided; the RET is a well-suited for unearthing and crushing land mines that infest parts of Azerbaijan’s fertile plains, thereby enabling its croplands to be restored to productive use [22].

The U.S. also provided Azerbaijani military with the latest radar technology and 3 navy boats in 2006. In the same year, plans were announced for the U.S. to modernize one radar station near the Iranian border at Lerik and another near the border with Georgia at Agstafa. Joint work has also commenced on two radar stations on the Russia-Azerbaijani border and Iran-Azerbaijani border to monitor Caspian Sea traffic. [23][24]

On May 19, 2006 Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev and Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe Tom Hobbins met in Baku to discuss military cooperation. General Hobbins said that the main reason for the lack of peace and stability in South Caucasus was the Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict. He stated that "Armenia’s destructive policies and its non-constructive stance in the negotiations have been the main reason for the ongoing instability. Armenia keeps 20% of Azerbaijani land under occupation". [25] Hobbins pointed to the progress made in the NATO-Azerbaijan relations, saying that the successful implementation of the NATO Partnership for Peace program in Azerbaijan has brought the country even closer to the alliance. He said the objective of his visit was to become familiar with the state of Azerbaijani armed forces. He expressed that the two countries' air forces will expand cooperation. [26]

[edit] Anti-terrorism

Azerbaijani troops.
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Azerbaijani troops.

Azerbaijan is a country which has experienced brutal terrorism[2], it's estimated that about 2,500 people have died because of foreign and domestic terrorism[3] in Azerbaijan. The world's worst metro terrorist attack was conducted in Baku Metro in 1995, when 289 people died and over 300 were wounded [27].

Azerbaijan was one of the first nations to offer any help it could provide to the United States after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York, and joining the U.S.-led coalition. The country grants important overflight rights for U.S. military aircraft, and also has sent contingents of troops to the coalitions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Kosovo before that. The defense official called Azerbaijan's forces "highly competent" in their performance while serving with Turkish forces in Afghanistan and American forces in Iraq. The United States provides about $3 million per year to Azerbaijan for its anti-terrorism program [28].

In beginning of 2006, the MNS, which is an Azerbaijani Security and Intelligence Agency, managed to arrest dozens of al-Qaeda members who were using Azerbaijan as a transit country. One of the arrested members included Abu-Ayat, who is an alleged explosives specialist and claimed to be close to Osama bin Laden. Some of their plans included attacking the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. All of the al-Qaeda members were handed over to the U.S.. [29]


[edit] Military Joint Programms

Azerbaijan has many military joint programs with other countries and organizations such as: NATO and GUAM. Some independent countries also hold military exercises with Azerbaijan; Turkey, United States, Ukraine, Romania hold regularly military exercises with Azerbaijani troops.

[edit] North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Azerbaijan is a member of the Council of Europe and also participates in NATO's Partnership for Peace program, a project created in 1994 to build trust between NATO and European states and the former Soviet Union.

Azerbaijan has received assistance from the two dominant participants of NATO; U.S. and Turkey.

In June 5, 2006 the USA Defense Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Borders Defense Agency held a training initiative for about 100 representatives of Azerbaijan Ministry for Emergencies, Republican Prosecutor's Office, Defense Ministry and other law-enforcement bodies. The objective of the training was to prevent the spread of weapon of mass destruction and related materials and strengthen the Azerbaijan state organizations' ability to search for them. According to Officer Jonathan Henick, the program has been organized in order to help implement the "Partnership for Peace" program of NATO, strengthening of land and sea borders of Azerbaijan: "This training is implemented within the frame of International struggle against spread of weapons of mass destruction. It is a good case that Azerbaijan is our active partner in struggle against spread of weapons of mass destruction." [30]

By the end of 2006 Azerbaijan will confirm and accept military doctrine with measures taken in this field in accordance with the individual partnership plan with the NATO [31].

[edit] International participation

Azerbaijani troops in Iraq cooperating with American troops.
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Azerbaijani troops in Iraq cooperating with American troops.

Azerbaijan is an active participant in international affairs and has provided assistance and troops to the following countries and conflicts:

  • Kosovo
  • Afghanistan
  • Iraq

[edit] Kosovo

In 1999 34 Azerbaijani peacekeepers have been deployed in Kosovo and still conduct their service within KFOR. NATO officials and KFOR commanders highly praised the performance of Azerbaijani military unit [32].

Senior German and Turkish officers have praised the Azerbaijani troops, who work under very difficult climatic circumstances in a fragile and politically charged environment. The Azerbaijani troops, well-trained and dedicated, are carrying out their function in a manner that gains them respect from everyone. They have brought with them their culture and customs even cuisine, which makes them relate well with the people [33]

[edit] Afghanistan

In 2005 Azerbaijan sent 22 troops to Afghanistan for assistance. In 2006, Azerbaijan and Croatia joined the Lithuanian-led NATO provincial reconstruction team (PRT) in western Afghanistan. Azerbaijan has contributed by sending 8 military doctors to the team. So far Azerbaijan has deployed 30 troops in Afghanistan.

[edit] Iraq

Azerbaijan is part of the Coalition of the Willing in Iraq, together with U.S. Marines, its troops protect the al-Haditha Dam in Western Iraq. Since 2003, Azerbaijan has provided a company of about 150 troops. Azerbaijani troops provide perimeter security, escort duties and other security functions. They are commanded by Major Ramiz Eyubov.

[edit] Military pictures

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/4-2002/dp/hscwa/?form=print
  2. ^ [1]
  3. ^ [2]