102 years have passed since the creation of Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

June 26 will mark 102 years since the creation of Azerbaijani Armed forces. By the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan People's Republic, the first regular military unit, special Azerbaijani corps was created on June 26, 1918. The “Declaration of independence”, adopted on May 28 of the same year, stated that Azerbaijan should have regular army and create its own armed forces to protect itself against external interference and neutralize internal enemy forces. The government put forward the task of creating an army consisting of 25 thousand people. Military Ministry of Azerbaijan was established on August 1, and Khosrov bey Sultanov was appointed to the position of the first Minister of Defence. The first military parade in Azerbaijan took place in 1919 in Baku, on the territory where current Museum centre is located. In a short time, National Army, together with Islamic Army of the Caucasus of Ottoman Empire, was able to liberate Baku and surrounding area from Armenian-bolshevik occupation. After the occupation of Azerbaijan by Soviet troops in 1920, Military Ministry was liquidated, and 15 generals of our army were shot by bolsheviks. After the restoration of state independence in 1991, it was decided to create Azerbaijani Army. In accordance with the decision of May 22, 1998 of great leader Heydar Aliyev, June 26 was declared the day of Armed forces. Military parade of the modern Azerbaijani Army took place in Baku in honour of the day of Armed forces and the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence on June 26, 2011, with the participation of Supreme Commander of Armed forces, President Ilham Aliyev. In recent years, Azerbaijan has significantly increased its military potential. The most modern weapons and ammunition, machinery and equipment were imported in our country. At present, in terms of material and technical support and combat capability, Azerbaijani Armed forces are the strongest forces in South Caucasus. Azerbaijani army proved its strength once again in April 2016. In spite of the fact that a ceasefire was officially declared on the front on May 12, 1994, the Armenians still continue to violate the ceasefire. However, heroic soldiers of Azerbaijani Army respond with dignity to the actions of the enemy on the front line and resolutely prevent the provocations of occupying army. Azerbaijani army, under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev once again showed its strength to the enemy in April 2016. In response to the provocations of Armenian army, Azerbaijani Army, during fast counteroffensive operation had caused the enemy heavy defeat and released more than 2,000 hectares of occupied territories of Fuzuli, Jabrayil and Aghdara regions on April 2, 2016. Thousands of hectares of the territory also came under full control of Azerbaijani army. By these four days of the fighting in April, Azerbaijani army once again made our people happy by giving them a victory. Armenian armed forces suffered heavy losses in these fighting. More than 320 militaries were killed, more than 500 soldiers were wounded, up to 30 tanks and other armoured vehicles, more than 25 enemy artillery mounts, the headquarters and main military units located in Madagiz village were destroyed. Strategic positions, which made possible to control the roads in the direction of Aghdara-Madagiz, Jabrayil, were taken. One of the greatest achievements of this operation, successfully implemented by our Army as a result of constant control, attention and care of Supreme Commander, at the same time, as a result of the activity, properly constructed by the Ministry of Defence, is the fact that Azerbaijani Army, in moral-psychological and social terms, in terms of morale, technical support, weapons and ammunition, professionalism, showed how it is ahead of Armenian army, and the enemy completely realized that advantage. Armenian public clearly felt that it lagged behind and lost in this process. For the first time since the ceasefire was declared, Armenians received a response to their provocation, and this was worthy and unexpected response to the enemy. At solemn military parade took place at Azadlig square in Baku on June 26 in honour of the 100th anniversary of the creation of Armed forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President and Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev said: "In the fighting in April, in Nakhchivan operation in 2018, Azerbaijani flag was raised on the lands liberated from the invaders. This is of very great moral significance. These flags will be demonstrated today at this parade in Azadlig square. These flags led our military forward. These flags are the flags that were used in combat. Today, these flags are flying on the lands of Azerbaijan that were liberated from the occupation. The day will come when the flag of Azerbaijan, which will be raised on the liberated occupied lands, will be delivered to Azadlig square and displayed at military parade after their liberation. We are to bring this Holy day closer, and we do so." The creation of the army is successfully going on in our country. By the Decree of the President Ilham Aliyev, military-industrial complex has also been created in Azerbaijan. More than thousand military products are manufactured in Azerbaijan. Military products of Azerbaijan are demonstrated at leading international exhibitions. Azerbaijani army is active in the fighting against international terrorism. Peacekeeping forces of the country take part in the coalition operations in Afghanistan. In short, Azerbaijani army with a 102-year history will soon liberate occupied lands. Our army is able to do it. We believe that the staff of our army, who selflessly serve the victory, will continue to make our people happy with the victories. This should be the most correct response of Azerbaijani Army to care of the government and love of the people.