Iran-downed Israeli spy drone took off from Nakhijevan: sourcesSeptember 18, 2014 - 12:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An Israeli spy drone which Iran recently downed on its way to one of the Iranian nuclear site had taken off from an air base in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan (Nakhijevan), Asbarez said citing sources. The anonymous sources said the Hermes drone, which was taken down by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) forces on Aug. 23 after 300 kilometers of flight, was bound for the Natanz enrichment facility in central Iran. The revelation about the Israeli drone’s launch site indicates Baku’s involvement in the spying mission, the unnamed sources claimed. The stealth spy drone was targeted by a surface-to-air missile before it reached the strategic location. Iran’s nuclear facilities have been a regular target for espionage activities by U.S. and Israeli intelligence services, which have at times used drones for this purpose. Azeri officials continue to claim that they will never allow their country to be used as a launch pad against Iran, but the Baku government has been serving the Israeli government’s interests in the region. Israel’s strategic Haifa port receives nearly 40 percent of its oil needs from the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline cutting across Azerbaijan. In another sign of Azerbaijan’s hostility against the Islamic Republic, a separatist cell calling itself “World Azerbaijanis Congress” recently held an anti-Iran forum in Baku. The World Azerbaijanis Congress, which was founded in the United States in 1997, seeks the separation of Iran’s northwestern provinces of East and West Azerbaijan and their unification with the neighboring Republic of Azerbaijan. Photo: Asbarez Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |