Iranian Drone Strikes Reported in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan reported drone strikes on its territory on 05/03/2026, stating that the aircraft were launched from Iran and targeted locations in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incident marked the first direct attack reported against a country in the Caucasus since a broader conflict involving the United States and Israel began on 28/02/2026. According to Azerbaijani officials, four drones crossed toward Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave separated from the mainland and bordering Iran, Armenia, and Turkey. One of the drones struck the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport. Authorities said the drone was a kamikaze type unmanned aerial vehicle. Damage was reported to the airport structure, though operational details following the strike were not immediately confirmed. Another drone crashed near a secondary school building in the village of Shakarabad. Azerbaijani officials said the impact occurred close to residential and educational facilities. Emergency services were dispatched to the site after the incident. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that at least four civilians were injured in the attacks. No fatalities were reported in the initial statements released after the strikes. Officials said investigations were underway to assess the full extent of the damage and verify the flight paths of the drones. Nakhchivan is an autonomous republic of Azerbaijan located west of the main Azerbaijani territory and shares a border with Iran along the Aras River. The area has strategic importance due to its geographic position and transport links, including Nakhchivan International Airport. The reported drone strikes occurred during heightened regional tensions following the outbreak of a wider conflict involving the United States and Israel on 28/02/2026. Azerbaijani authorities said they were monitoring the situation and gathering further information about the origin and trajectory of the unmanned aircraft involved in the incident.