As soon as the large-scale ‘Shant-2015’ strategic command and staff exercises came to a successful end in Armenia, Azerbaijan also urgently started its own military drills. Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said in a statement that war games are underway to check the fighting efficiency and combat readiness of all kinds of troops in the Azerbaijani army. Under the command of Azerbaijani defense minister Zakir Hasanov, the drills are being held by a scenario approved by Ilham Aliyev. The drills will last until September 13.

It is noteworthy that by official information, 65,000 troops, i.e. over half of the Azerbaijani armed forces are participating in the drills.
The question is: Who protects the borders if the majority of troops are involved in war games? Another remarkable fact is that Azerbaijan managed to involve only 6,000 servicemen of the reserve forces in the urgent military exercises.

President Ilham Aliyev, meanwhile, visited Ship Repair and Building Center of Azerbaijan’s State Border Service to take a look at a ship under construction, watched a film about patrol ships, and gave instructions.