Azerbaijani authorities have denied a CNN report claiming that Israel conducted intelligence and military operations from Azerbaijan during its conflict with Iran. The report alleged that Israel deployed commandos and Mossad operatives to Azerbaijan, conducting operations including drone assassinations. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry responded, stating that the claims were 'entirely baseless' and emphasized that the country has never permitted its territory to be used for military operations against other states.
The CNN report, citing unnamed sources, suggested that Israeli commandos had established bases in southern Azerbaijan to gather intelligence on Iran. It also claimed that one of the key assassinations during the conflict was executed by a drone launched from Azerbaijan. In response, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry criticized the report for lacking credible evidence and disregarding the official stance of Azerbaijan.
The report mentioned that the Israeli presence in Azerbaijan was initially intended for limited operations, such as rescuing downed pilots and refueling jets. Following the assassination of Iranian military official Rahman Moghaddam, tensions escalated, with Iran conducting drone strikes on Azerbaijan, which Baku condemned as acts of terror. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev condemned Iran's actions and highlighted Azerbaijan's previous diplomatic gestures towards Tehran, expressing disappointment over the attack.
Despite the allegations, Azerbaijan maintains that it has not allowed its territory to be used for hostile actions against other nations. The relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel has been characterized as a strategic alliance, with Azerbaijan providing oil to Israel and receiving advanced technology in return.
