Today is the Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, according to EDnews.

108 years have passed since the establishment of the Armed Forces of our country.

On June 26, 1918, by a decision of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first regular military unit in Azerbaijan-the Separate Corps-was established. Samad bey Mehmandarov, Ali-Agha Shikhlinski, and other military specialists serving in the Ministry of War created at that time carried out important reforms in the development of the Azerbaijani army.

Following the restoration of state independence, Azerbaijan faced a serious crisis in the military sphere. The main challenge facing the country, which did not have a regular army, was maintaining control over the situation in the battles for Karabakh, a task that was carried out with great difficulty. In addition, the army faced problems in terms of logistical and material support.

However, in order to prevent defeat in the war, all available resources of the country were gradually mobilized to build a national army. The first serious step was taken toward transitioning from volunteer battalions to a regular army. Processes related to mobilization and military conscription were partially resolved. The military parade held in Baku on October 9, 1992, became an important step in strengthening patriotism and increasing confidence in and interest toward the army.

The foundation for building a professional army in the country was laid at the end of 1993. Illegal armed formations were eliminated, a unified command was established, an end was put to anarchy, and a regular army was created. The visits of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Heydar Aliyev to frontline areas also represent an important stage in army-building.

In May 1994, after a ceasefire was reached with Armenia, the development of a modern army gained momentum. By a decree signed by National Leader Heydar Aliyev on May 22, 1998, an important step was taken toward restoring the traditions of national army-building, and June 26 was declared the Day of the Armed Forces.

Through decrees and directives issued by President Ilham Aliyev, who has successfully continued the strategic policy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the field of military development, Azerbaijan has successfully advanced the creation of a modern military-industrial complex and improved personnel training for the Armed Forces.

As a result of the counteroffensive operations launched by the Azerbaijani army on September 27, 2020, under the leadership of the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief to liberate Azerbaijan's occupied territories, victory was achieved over the enemy. The 44-day Second Karabakh War has been inscribed in Azerbaijan's history in golden letters. Thanks to the courage, self-sacrifice, initiative, and determination of Azerbaijani soldiers who successfully fulfilled their combat missions, the country's lands were liberated from occupation and Azerbaijan's territorial integrity was ensured.

Local anti-terror measures were launched in the region on September 19, 2023 in order to implement the provisions of the trilateral statement, prevent large-scale provocations committed in Karabakh, secure the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijani territories, neutralize their military infrastructure, facilitate the return of civilians to the territories liberated from occupation, ensure the safety of civilians and military personnel involved in reconstruction efforts, and fully restore the constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan,

During the measures, which lasted just over 23 hours, high-precision weapons were used to disable frontline and rear positions, fortified firing points of Armenian armed formations, as well as military equipment and facilities. The opposing side raised a white flag and surrendered. As a result, constitutional order was restored throughout the entire territory of Azerbaijan.

By liberating lands that had been under occupation for nearly 30 years, Azerbaijani servicemen achieved the Great Victory at the cost of their own blood. This victory, achieved by the people, the state, and the soldiers of Azerbaijan, is the result of many years of reforms in military development. The victory achieved by Azerbaijan is the result of the successful policy, strong will, and determination of the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev.