Cyprus News Agency

According to a statement from the Presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a Security Council meeting was held under the chairmanship of President Ilham Aliyev.

Speaking at the meeting, Ilham Aliyev said: “Today Iran carried out a terrorist act against the territory of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani state. The Iranian state opened fire on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic using unmanned aerial vehicles. The targets of the fire were civilian objects. Nakhchivan International Airport, the terminal building, a school and other areas were cowardly fired upon by Iran.”

Aliyev stated that they strongly condemn the terrorist act, saying: “The Azerbaijani state strongly condemns this ugly terrorist act and those responsible must immediately be held accountable. Iranian authorities must provide an explanation to the Azerbaijani side, apologize, and those who carried out this terrorist act must be held criminally responsible.”

Emphasizing that they will not act conciliatory in the face of the attacks, Aliyev said: “We will not reconcile with this baseless terrorist act and aggression committed against Azerbaijan. Our Armed Forces have been instructed to prepare and implement retaliatory measures.”

Aliyev concluded his remarks by saying: “All instructions have been given. Iran’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a note of protest will be issued and other diplomatic steps will be taken. Relevant instructions regarding the border have also been given.”