Azerbaijan Protests Iranian Drones Striking Nakhchivan Airport

Azerbaijani officials reported that drones originating from Iran struck the Nakhchivan exclave on March 5, damaging infrastructure at Nakhchivan International Airport and injuring two civilians, prompting a formal diplomatic protest to Tehran.

The incidents occurred around midday, according to Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry. One drone hit the terminal building at the airport, located about 10 kilometers from the Iranian border, while a second landed near a school in the village of Shekerabad. Video footage circulated by sources close to the government showed thick black smoke rising near the airport, and officials confirmed a fire broke out as a result. The ministry stated that the attacks caused damage to the airport and wounded the two individuals, who were civilians.

In response, Azerbaijan summoned Iran's ambassador to Baku, Mojtaba Demirchilou, and delivered a note of protest. The ministry described the incursions as a violation of international law that would heighten regional tensions. "We strongly condemn these drone attacks launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and injuries to two civilians," the...