At Least 3 Iranian Soldiers Killed in Iran-Azerbaijan Border Area

At least 3 Iranian soldiers have been killed in the Iran-Azerbaijan border area. This was reported by the Telegram channel Ateo Breaking.

According to Военное обозрение, the incident was initially characterized as an Azerbaijani provocation, but later Iran acknowledged it as "friendly fire." Earlier, reports circulated on Iranian Telegram channels that Iranian AH-1 Super Cobra attack helicopters fired at their own positions near the Azerbaijani border, resulting in casualties.

On October 1, 2021, Iran began large-scale military exercises near the border with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. According to Brigadier General Kiomars Heydari, commander of Iran's ground forces, the drills involved armored vehicles, artillery, air forces, and electronic warfare units.

The official reason for the escalation of tensions between the two countries is the blockade of two sections of the Goris-Kapan highway by Azerbaijani soldiers and the collection of fees from Iranian drivers for passage through those areas.