Category: Azer News

Employees of the Main Drug Control Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) have discovered and seized 21 kilograms of narcotics during a special operation, Azernews reports.

According to the MIA, two individuals, 28-year-old Ismayil Muradov and 32-year-old Chingiz Guliyev, were detained in connection with the case. During the operation, law enforcement officers found 21 kilograms of marijuana containing added harmful substances.

The investigation established that Muradov and Guliyev had entered into a criminal relationship with an Iranian citizen, whose identity is currently being determined. The suspects reportedly planned to distribute the narcotics by placing them at pre-arranged locations for sale.

A criminal case has been initiated on the facts, and by a court decision, a preventive measure of arrest has been chosen against the detained individuals.

A prominent Azerbaijani civic group has accused forces in Armenia of attempting to derail the fragile peace process between the two countries, warning that a controversial court ruling in Yerevan risks undermining recent diplomatic gains.

AzerNEWS reports that in a statement by the Western Azerbaijan Community expressed concern over what it described as a series of actions ‘directed against peace’ in Armenia and abroad, despite growing momentum in the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalisation process.

The group pointed to the positive diplomatic climate following a landmark summit in Washington on 8 August 2025, held with the participation of US President Donald Trump, as well as the recent meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders in Abu Dhabi. According to the statement, these developments had created a rare opportunity for reconciliation that is now being put at risk.

At the centre of the controversy is a ruling by an Armenian court concerning Samvel Shahramanyan, a former figure associated with the now-defunct Armenian separatist administration in Karabakh. The court claimed that a decision dissolving the unrecognised entity had been taken under coercion or threat and therefore lacked legal validity.

The Western Azerbaijan Community condemned the ruling as ‘provocative’, arguing that it directly challenges Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. ‘On what basis and with what mandate does an Armenian court interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state?’ the statement asked.

The group also linked the decision to domestic political dynamics in Armenia, where parliamentary elections are expected later this year. It characterised the ruling as part of a broader campaign by revanchist forces seeking to obstruct peace efforts for political gain.

‘If Armenian courts are genuinely committed to contributing to peace and reconciliation between the two peoples,’ the statement said, ‘they should issue rulings condemning the deportation of Western Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands, as well as the destruction of cemeteries, mosques and cultural heritage.’

The latest dispute highlights the persistent fragility of the peace process, even as international mediation intensifies and both governments publicly commit to normalisation after decades of conflict.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visited the Ganja Autism Center.

The center, established at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, provides essential support to children and families from Ganja as well as surrounding regions, including Shamkir, Dashkasan, Tovuz, Samukh, and other districts.

During the visit that the programs implemented here contribute significantly to the integration of children into their families and society, empowering them to take on active roles in their communities. In addition to providing specialized rehabilitation services, the center spearheads regional awareness campaigns focused on autism, neurodiversity, and inclusivity.

The center’s comprehensive approach ensures that children with autism spectrum disorder receive the therapeutic support necessary to enhance their social and cognitive development within a supportive local environment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday about American talks with Iran, his office said Saturday, as concerns remain high about possible regional conflict, Azernews reports.

‘The prime minister believes that all negotiations must include limiting the ballistic missiles, and ending support for the Iranian axis,’ Netanyahu’s office said in a brief statement, referring to Tehran’s support for militant groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian territories. Trump and Netanyahu last met in December.

There was no immediate White House comment.

The U.S. and the Islamic Republic of Iran held indirect talks on Friday in Oman that appeared to return to the starting point on how to approach discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program.

rump said that the United States had ‘very good’ talks and more were planned for early next week. Washington was being represented by Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to reach a deal on the nuclear program after sending the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships to the region amid Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests that killed thousands.

The South American Chovken Championship has concluded in Argentina amid a magnificent sporting atmosphere, determining the next teams to qualify for the World Championship, Azernews reports.

The tournament, organized under its auspices, brought together the continent’s strongest national teams and was marked by a high tempo, dramatic encounters, and intense battles that lasted until the very final seconds. Each match was not only a contest for points, but a true test of character in the race for a World Championship berth.

On the opening day of the continent’s inaugural championship, the matches immediately signaled the level of competition on display. In a closely fought encounter, Uruguay defeated Argentina 3-2. In the other match, Chile confidently advanced to the final after overcoming Colombia 3-1.

Tension reached its peak on the final day of competition. In the playoff for third place, Argentina edged past Colombia with a 3-2 victory to claim the bronze medal. The headline clash of the day saw Uruguay face Chile in the final. The match turned into a genuine sporting drama and ended with a thrilling 3-2 win for Uruguay.

As a result, Uruguay emerged as the champion of South America and secured direct qualification for the World Championship. Chile, finishing in second place, also earned the right to represent the continent on the world stage.

This championship once again demonstrated that chovken has moved beyond regional boundaries, evolving into an internationally established sport with a high level of competition and a growing global fan base.

With the South American stage now complete, attention turns to the Chovken World Championship, set to be held in Azerbaijan this June.

India’s Coast Guard has detained three oil tankers on suspicion of illegal oil smuggling, foreign media reported.

Azernews reports that the information was shared by an official of the Indian Coast Guard on the service’s page on X.

‘On February 6, the Indian Coast Guard thwarted the activities of an international oil-smuggling network during a carefully planned maritime and aerial operation,’ the statement said.

The vessels were intercepted approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai.

Searches conducted aboard the tankers, analysis of data retrieved from electronic devices, and questioning of crew members helped expose the illegal scheme operated by the organizers’ global network, the statement added.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visited Special Secondary School No. 45 in Ganja.

They closely reviewed the facilities created at the educational institution and inquired about the students’ learning processes and rehabilitation opportunities.

It was noted that 297 students are currently enrolled at Ganja Special School No. 45. Among these children with special needs, 188 receive their education on-site at the school, while 109 are enrolled in home-schooling programs.

The educational facility is equipped with all necessary infrastructure, including specialized rooms for information technology and handicrafts, speech therapy (logopedics) rooms, an ecological classroom, a medical office, a library, and a gymnasium.

At the conclusion of the visit, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva presented gifts to the children and posed for commemorative photos with them.

Expired and unserviceable ammunition will be destroyed in the Pir?k?skl and Agd?r? areas, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry.

The ministry said the disposal process will take place from February 9 to 13 in full compliance with safety regulations.

The ammunition, which has exceeded its operational lifespan and is no longer suitable for use, will be destroyed at a training range near the Pir?k?skl settlement, as well as at a military training center located in the Agd?r? district.

‘The public is urged not to be alarmed by the sounds of explosions, as there is no cause for concern,’ the statement said.

Four people were killed on Saturday in a shooting in the countryside of Suwayda province in southern Syria, authorities said, confirming the arrest of a suspect and urging residents to remain calm to prevent further escalation.

In a statement published by Syria’s Interior Ministry on Telegram, Suwayda’s internal security commander Hussam al-Tahhan said the incident took place in the al-Matouneh area, where five local residents were targeted in what he described as a ‘heinous crime’.

‘The attack resulted in the killing of four individuals and the serious injury of a fifth,’ al-Tahhan said.

He added that preliminary investigations, conducted in coordination with one of the survivors, revealed that one of the suspects is a member of the Internal Security Directorate in the area. The individual was immediately arrested and referred for formal investigation to complete legal procedures.

Al-Tahhan stressed that ‘any violation against citizens is categorically unacceptable’ and warned that there would be no tolerance for acts threatening public safety, regardless of the perpetrator’s affiliation.

Calling on residents to exercise restraint, the official urged the people of Suwayda province to ‘remain calm and place their trust in the measures being taken’, assuring them that those responsible would be held accountable under the law.

Suwayda has remained under a fragile ceasefire since July, following deadly clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes that left hundreds dead or injured. While the government has reiterated its commitment to the truce and facilitated civilian evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian aid, the agreement has been repeatedly violated by armed groups linked to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, including attacks on military positions.

Authorities said investigations into Saturday’s shooting were continuing.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visited the Ganja Memorial Complex.

This complex, inaugurated by President Ilham Aliyev on September 27, 2025, Remembrance Day, aims to eternally commemorate the memory of innocent people who became victims of Armenia’s rocket attacks during the Second Karabakh War and to convey the bitter realities of the war to future generations.

The first floor of the complex houses a museum exhibition, while the second floor features a hall for various events.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva also visited the family of National Hero Natig Gasimov in Ganja.

During the meeting, they honored the memory of the Azerbaijani hero with deep respect, and had a warm, sincere conversation with family members.

Natig Gasimov displayed unparalleled heroism in battles along the Aghdam-Khankendi direction during the First Karabakh War. He resisted the Armenian occupiers to the end, remaining under siege alone for five days during the war.

During the meeting, the honorable life and combat path of the martyr were once again remembered.