Recent developments in the region have brought attention to the joint military exercises being conducted by Azerbaijan and Turkey near the border with Armenia. Following Azerbaijan’s successful recapture of Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenian separatists, the defense ministry of Azerbaijan has announced the commencement of these tactical drills in various locations including Baku, the Nakhichevan exclave, and territories recently regained from Armenian separatists.
Under the codename ‘Mustafa Kamal Ataturk 2023,’ these drills involve the participation of approximately 3,000 troops, along with numerous artillery weapons and aviation assets. The primary objective of these exercises is to enhance combat interoperability between Azerbaijan and Turkey, two longstanding allies with shared strategic interests.
It is worth noting that the joint drills coincide with the planned meeting of foreign ministers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and Russia in Tehran. This diplomatic initiative, spearheaded by Moscow, aims to address the regional dynamics and reduce the influence exerted by Western powers. In recent years, the European Union and the United States have taken an active role in mediating peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, leading to various peace agreements. However, Russia, as a traditional mediator, has experienced a reduced role due to its involvement in other geopolitical conflicts.
The historical conflict over the Armenian-populated enclave of Karabakh has been a contentious issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Two major wars have erupted over the region, one in the 1990s and the most recent one in 2020. The lightning offensive launched by Azerbaijan on September 19 resulted in the quick surrender of Armenian separatist forces, paving the way for the reintegration of Nagorno-Karabakh with Azerbaijan. This military escalation led to a significant displacement of the ethnic Armenian population, with many seeking refuge in Armenia.
As the joint drills continue and regional dynamics evolve, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus and beyond.
Azerbaijan and Turkey have commenced joint military exercises near the border with Armenia, following Azerbaijan’s recapture of Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenian separatists. The drills involve up to 3,000 troops, artillery weapons, and aviation, with the goal of ensuring combat interoperability between the allies. The exercises coincide with diplomatic talks between Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and Russia in Tehran.
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