Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan's Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov has evaluated the fighting ability and the combat alertness level, as well as the level of training of the personnel, military equipment, aviation equipment, missiles, and artillery installations located in desert conditions in the areas where the command and staff military games are underway.

Hasanov visited command and control centers and training points in different landfills that were set during the military games to mimic war conditions, the defense ministry reported on September 9.

He gave relevant instructions regarding the participation of personnel, ammunition, and military equipment during the training, as well as the precise execution of the tasks and orders.

Earlier, Hasanov held a field meeting within the ongoing staff and military exercises.

The meeting discussed combat readiness of the military units, the defense system, its organization and comprehensive support, as well as several service questions.

The commanders of military units and officials gave reports on meeting Hasanov’s criteria. The minister gave instructions on improvement of the line of defense and increasing the combat effectiveness of troops.

The command and staff military exercises, which will evaluate combat readiness and effectiveness for all troops of the Azerbaijani armed forces, will last until September 13.

Azerbaijan regularly holds military drills to check the training level and fighting capability of the army.

Standing strong against Armenia's unceasing operations along the line of contact, the Azerbaijani leadership empowers the military and has moved to formulate the necessary armament policy by adhering to international requirements.

Azerbaijan's military build-up is in line with the country's legal right to liberate its occupied lands by means of war, should it be necessary.

Azerbaijan's internationally recognized Nagorno-Karabakh territory turned into a conflict zone following Armenia's aggression in the early 1990s. As a result of an armed invasion, 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory fell under Armenian occupation. Nonetheless, the OSCE has attempted to foster a peaceful resolution to this conflict amid Armenia's persistent derailment.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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