Azerbaijani Internal Troops able to handle combat missions: minister
By Jamila Babayeva
Azerbaijani Interior Ministry held a ceremonial event dedicated to the 22nd anniversary of the Interior Troops on March 12.
Deputy Interior Minister and Commander of Internal Troops Major General Shahin Mammadov spoke about the history and development of the body, noting that over the past few years, the Internal Troops were directly involved in all the processes taking place in the country's socio-political life.
"The personnel of the Internal Troops demonstrated heroism in defending Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. In general, 510 servicemen died during the military operations, 1,166 people were injured, 268 people were missing, and nine servicemen were awarded the rank of National Hero of Azerbaijan," he said.
Deputy Head of Azerbaijani Presidential Administration and Defense Issues Assistant to Azerbaijani President Lieutenant-General ,Vahid Aliyev said the Armed Forces of the Internal Troops are constantly developing thanks to the attention and care of the President Ilham Aliyev.
Speaking at the event, Azerbaijani Interior Minister Colonel-General Ramil Usubov said President Aliyev, the worthy successor of national leader Heydar Aliyev, pays constant attention and care to the perfection and improvement of the Internal Troops' professionalism.
"Based on the Head of State's instructions, care, and attention, the Internal Forces can perform adequately at any combat mission assigned to them," he said.
Usubov noted that the transformations done in all the spheres of national life, including the army building, created a solid foundation for the formation of the Internal Troops in line with international standards.
Usubov assured the President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, that the personnel of the Internal Troops will continue to perform tasks at a high level, and faithfully serve the state, statehood, motherland, and the Supreme Commander.
Afterwards, a group of servicemen who had distinguished themselves in the service were awarded state awards and the insignia of new ranks.