Today marks the professional holiday of the border guard personnel of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
As reported by Operative Information Center-OMM, the country is celebrating the 107th anniversary of the establishment of the State Border Service (SBS).
The State Border Service, which currently upholds and develops the traditions of national border protection, honors its history, takes pride in its achievements, and moves toward the future with great confidence.
The Azerbaijani Border Guard was established on August 18, 1919. On that date, the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic adopted the Law on the Protection of Borders, forming the legal basis for national border security. In accordance with a decree signed by National Leader Heydar Aliyev in 2000, August 18 is celebrated annually as the professional holiday of border guards.
During the Soviet era, the Border Service operated under the State Security Committee. Following the restoration of independence, the reconstruction and development of the protection of Azerbaijan's borders became closely linked to the name of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. A significant milestone in the history of national border protection was the first raising of the tricolor Azerbaijani flag within the Armed Forces on August 22, 1992, at the Nakhchivan Border Detachment.
The establishment of the State Border Service in 2002 further demonstrated the special importance the Azerbaijani state places on the reliable protection of its state borders.
In subsequent years, under the attention and care of President Ilham Aliyev, the material and technical capabilities of the State Border Service have been significantly strengthened. New border detachments and outposts have been established, ensuring the reliable protection of the country's air, land, and water borders.
The application of modern technical means has been expanded, and the system for protecting maritime borders and the organization of border aviation have been completed. In 2007, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the creation of the SBS Academy, marking a crucial step in training border personnel and improving the border protection system.
The personnel of the State Border Service demonstrated great dedication and heroism during the Patriotic War. During the 44-day war, all forces and resources were mobilized to fulfill combat missions. SBS military personnel showed special bravery in the liberation of the 132-kilometer section of the Azerbaijan-Iran state border, as well as the Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, and Qubadli districts, the Hadrut settlement, and the city of Shusha.
In total, 290 enemy targets were destroyed, and 47 border guards were martyred during the Patriotic War. Twelve border guards were awarded the title of "Hero of the Patriotic War," including four posthumously.
Today, due to the professionalism of its personnel, the supply of modern weapons and military equipment, and its operational-combat performance, the Azerbaijani Border Guard holds a leading position not only in the region but also on a European scale.
On the eve of the 107th anniversary, President Ilham Aliyev signed decrees awarding military personnel of the State Border Service. These decrees conferred higher military ranks upon several officers, and awarded the "For Service to the Fatherland" order of the 3rd degree to several military personnel and one civilian employee who were martyred during combat operations to restore territorial integrity and while performing service duties.
